UPDATE: GWS Giants coach Leon Cameron has announced he is stepping down after more than eight seasons at the helm of the club.
Speaking at Giants HQ alongside club chief executive David Matthews and chairman Tony Shepard on Tuesday, Cameron said that after initially parking contract talks until the end of the year – opening the door to speculation – the decision to stand down was a joint one.
“It’s a mutual decision between myself and the footy club,” he said.
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“On Tuesday when I caught up with Dave (Matthews), we said I think the time’s right to have a bit of breathing space for the club to look for its next coach.”
Cameron cited feeling drained and at times worn down by the requirements of the top job as reasons for his decision. He added that he wanted to spend more time with his wife Carolyn and three kids.
“There’s a whole bunch of reasons and sometimes how you work out where this perfect timing – I mean we all in life try to find that perfect moment to make the perfect decision – this is a good decision. As much as it sounds hard, it is a good decision. The timing is right for our footy club,” Cameron said.
Cameron had earlier advised the players and staff of his departure, the news coming as a shock to some of the group.
“It was tough this morning, talking to the playing group was really hard” he said.
The 49-year-old succeeded the legendary Kevin Sheedy at the Giants in 2014, and coached the club to the 2019 grand final.
Having made the finals in five of the past six seasons, the Giants are languishing in 15th spot this season, with just two wins from eight matches. It had become increasingly clear Cameron would not be offered a new contract at the end of the season.
Cameron will coach the side for the final time this weekend against Carlton at Giants Stadium, before his long-time assistant Mark McVeigh takes the reigns for the rest of the season.
“We’re hoping that (McVeigh coming in as a caretaker coach) creates an opportunity for the playing group and the staff to really see this as a seamless transition for the time being whilst we embark on a process to appoint a coach for the longer term,” Matthews said.
“We’re in really good hands (with McVeigh) and he will do the best thing for the footy club, I absolutely know every decision he will make will be for the benefit of the footy club,” added Cameron.
After spending 34 consecutive years in the game as both a player and a coach, Cameron said it was time to take a break but didn’t rule out a return to elite coaching in future.
“You never say never,” he said.
“I love coaching and I love doing what I do, but who knows where that is in the coming months.”
Four-time premiership-winning coach Alastair Clarkson has already been mentioned as a possible successor to Cameron.
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