Tara Murray
Adam Contessa’s stint as Hoppers Crossing coach has lasted just one Western Region Football League season.
The Warriors announced on social media that Contessa wouldn’t be continuing on next year.
“Both the club and Adam have mutually agreed on this decision and the players were advised of this prior to round 17, [a] two point victory against Caroline Springs.
“The ultimate professional that Adam is, saw him remain on and committed to seeing out the year which we are grateful for.
“With the challenges both the club and Adam faced in season 2023, he can be proud of the progress this team has made, considering the young players that were given opportunities and exposure to senior football this year.
“HCFC played 21 new senior debutants who will no doubt be the future leaders and be impact players moving forward.
“The HCFC is extremely thankful to Adam for his time, commitment and efforts this year and wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”
The former Sunshine mentor replaced Steve Kretiuk heading into the division 1 season, with the job appealing to him being closer to home.
The Warriors lost a number of key players before the season and then had injuries and players who headed overseas.
The Warriors, who finished fifth last season and also knocked off eventual grand finalists Werribee Districts, finished the year with just two wins, the best of them coming against the Lakers.
While the side finished last, there has been some talk there will be no relegation as the competition aims to return to more than eight teams in the top grade.
Speaking in early August, Contessa admitted it has been a tough season.
“It has been hard and challenging,” he said at the time.
“We’ve had some growth from some of the challenges, but it hasn’t been ideal. As of last week, we’d had 19 different debutants this year, which is unheard of really.
“We’ve had the opportunity to blood some young guys and see where they are at and give them senior footy experience.”
Contessa said the likes of Cal Buckingham and Caleb Sciberras-Harris were two of the younger players that had really impressed him this year.
He said the morale of the group had been high throughout the season despite the results not being what they wanted.
