It’s an end of an era for Hoppers Crossing in the Western Region Football League division 1 competition.
After nine years in charge of the Warriors, coach Steve Kretiuk has decided to step down as coach.
Kretiuk said the club and the playing group knew at the start of the season that it would be his last in charge.
“It was the plan,” he said. “I spoke to the president last year and decided after missing finals [due to COVID-19] that I would go on another year.
“After nine years at one club, I didn’t want to outstay my welcome and it was time for some fresh faces.”
Kretiuk’s last game was in the first week of finals, with the side losing an elimination final to Werribee Districts.
He said while they won all their key performance indicators, they turned the ball over too often, which the Tigers were able to capitalise on.
Kretiuk said he could have never imagined still being at the club nine years after he walked in the door.
While he didn’t take the club to the ultimate success, Kretiuk said he was able to achieve what he set out to do.
“The club is in a good place and I’m envious of the next person who takes on the role,” he said.
“For me it was about creating a sustainable club. My philosophy was to build with guys from the club and some are still there nine years later, who we blooded coming up from under-18s.
“We played in a couple of grand finals and played in finals nine years in a row.”
Kretiuk said outside of finals wins, the crowning moment of his time at the club was the development of the players.
He highlighted Corey Muscat as one of those success stories.
“We plunked him in the back line and he shut down small forwards for a number of years,” Kretiuk said of Muscat.
“He’s developed in the midfield and won the best and first last year. Five or six years ago, no one would have thought he would win a best and fairest.”
Kretiuk leaves the club confident that the club isn’t that far away from success. He leaves with nothing but respect for those around the club.
“It’s a fantastic club and people around the club have given me and my assistants the utmost support and commitment.”
Ketriuk said it was time for him to have a break away from football for the next 12 months.
“I’ve been coaching for 16 or 17 years non-stop, so I’ll take some time to reflect,” he said.
“I’ve bought a gym in Yarraville and I’ll look to get that up and running in the next 12 months. My nephew is playing seniors at St Albans, so I’ll go and watch him. Me and my assistant coaches are planning once a month next year to go bush and watch some football as well.”
