After Mooroopna mentor John Lamont last week announced his departure after this campaign, Mansfield coach Mitch Wareham has announced he’ll be doing the same.
A premiership player and life member of the club, Wareham stepped into the coaching ranks in 2024 as an assistant before taking on the senior role in 2025.
Wareham says the timing is right to take a step back, with family commitments and a growing business at the heart of his decision.
“My oldest will be 10 next year, and for as long as they've been around, I've always been involved in footy,” he said.
“It was purely a family decision - it's obviously quite time-consuming, football.
“It was more just to make sure that while my kids are still young, I've got ample time to spend with them.”
Wareham's ties to the club span nearly two decades, and he was a member of the premiership-winning side in the 2009 grand final against Kyabram.
“Since then, barring a year or two, I've been involved in the club,” Wareham said.
“I've spent a fair chunk of my life at the club; I love it and I was fortunate enough to take on the role.”
Before he walks away, though, Wareham is determined to lead Mansfield on one last charge towards the finals.
Currently sitting ninth on the ladder — a game and a half outside the top six — the Eagles are set for a timely boost, with around six players expected to return for a crucial clash against Seymour at Kings Park.
“We’ve had a very injury plagued year which has caused some disappointing results,” Wareham said.
“Hopefully against Seymour we get a few back.
“Mathematically, we’re probably still a chance (for finals), but results have to fall our way.
“I suppose that's the approach we take - everything's still on the table.”
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