By LIAM TWOMEY
ALTONA premiership coach Anthony Eames will not lead the Vikings in 2014.
Eames informed the club he will be stepping down from the top job because of work commitments.
“I won’t be continuing next year,” Eames said.
“At this stage I won’t be coaching anywhere. I have a fair bit on my plate work-wise. That is obviously the main reason there.”
Eames coached the Vikings to their first-ever Division One flag after they defeated Spotswood by one point in the 2012 grand final.
This year Altona finished in fourth spot on the ladder after being thrashed by Sunshine in the semi-final two weeks ago.
“I am very proud of what everyone has been able to achieve at the club in that period,” Eames said.
“I hope it continues with whoever takes over. I wish them (Altona) every success. We were second last I think when I took over and we have just shown gradual improvement over that period. That culminated in a grand final victory last year.
“It is important that the club continues on and looks for further improvement.”
While the 2012 premiership stands out, Eames also said the growth of the playing group was one of his main highlights.
“That (premiership win) is the standout but the growth of the playing group and the maturity in that time is probably the thing I’m proudest of the most,” he said.
“They are an extremely committed bunch of young men and they are very close mates. When you have that type of environment and culture it leaves a lasting impression with anyone that comes into the group. I was lucky enough or blessed enough to coach them and they have been terrific.
“I have got some great mates within that group and some really solid relationships that I look forward to keeping.”
