This is both a sad and exciting time for Simon and the club. Simon has made no secret of the fact he loves the footy club, but he also has enormous loyalty to his employer, Williamstown Crane Hire, and his love of his position there, means a full time coaching position is not on his agenda. The Tigers totally accept and support Simon in his decision.
Werribee President John Nicol summed up the thoughts of all at the club:
“Simon has been an outstanding person at the Werribee Football Club. We thank him most sincerely for his input and his efforts and we wish him every success in the future”
Simon achieved the club’s ultimate accolade with his Life Membership in 2009. Simon should be remembered for the 2005 Grand Final, but more importantly, during his stint at Werribee he helped develop a number of players who have gone onto realise their dream of playing at the highest level, most notably Werribee listed players Dale Morris, Michael Barlow and James Podsiadly.
Simon has achieved much in his six years at Werribee, according to CEO Mark Penaluna.
“Simon has always placed the club’s best interests above anything else. He instigated many changes which have improved the level of professionalism and support afforded to the players, coaches and staff”.
Simon was appointed as senior coach in 2004. He had previously coached the Reserves and played 78 games for the Tigers - winning the 1997 Best and
Fairest - and was twice runner up in the Liston Trophy. Simon will always have a bond with the club.
“I have enjoyed my time as senior coach and along the way a lot of people have helped me with my coaching and I want to thank them. I want to thank the players and staff for their support and the people who follow the footy club. I have great memories.”
2011 will see a new look at Avalon Airport Oval. The club will make sure it searches high and low for the best coach to develop the up and coming stars of the club plus attract quality players from other leagues.
“Axe” leaves a marvellous blueprint for the future. The club wishes him well.
