By RUSSELL BENNETT
TOM Hallinan has stood down from his role as senior coach at the Nar Nar Goon Football Club, citing health issues he’s currently working through.
Hallinan replaced Scott Goldsworthy as senior coach at the end of last season and guided the side to sixth on the ladder with eight wins from its first 13 games so far this year.
Club president Adrian Scott said Hallinan stood down from his position on Sunday afternoon, adding: “Tom has some health issues that are a priority in his life now, rather than football”.
Hallinan told the Gazette that putting his own health first was the most important thing right now.
“I’ve voluntarily stepped down,” he said.
“The job was fine, and the club has been good.
“It (the role) most certainly had its challenges – part of it was being away from our home ground and having those resources there and what not.
“There was a lot of work to do at the club and I had to integrate my own team as well.
“There was also an unknown about how on and off field would pan out being away from home. It was as smooth as you’d like, but it was a lot of work.”
Hallinan was made redundant in November through a company merger, which also created additional stresses in his everyday life.
“There were a lot of external pressures,” he said.
“I’ve got to pull back here otherwise I’ll make myself ill. Footy is always there, but it’s supposed to be fun.
“I went to the club and said I wasn’t coping that well and said I had to step down as coach.
“I stepped down knowing there’s a good team behind me – that business as usual could always run.
“My intention was never to step down, but in doing it I know the side is going to be seen through by good people.”
Hallinan said, in hindsight, he was potentially biting off more than he could chew in taking on the role.
“(But) I was able to manage well due to a fantastic coaching team behind me, and a good leadership group led by Brent Hughes,” he said.
Among the things he was proudest of in his time as senior coach at the Goon – where he was a key part of the senior premiership team back in 2010 alongside the likes of Brett Dore, Matt Wade and player-coach Clint Williams – Hallinan beamed about a graduate program this year, where five young players ‘graduated’ into the senior side.
He said moving forward that the club had to capitalise on its branding in again being able to play home games at Spencer Street from next season, as well as its junior ranks.
After an extended period in coaching, Hallinan said now was the time for him to take a step back.
“I was just there (at the Goon) as the key co-ordinator, but at times you’re also called on to be counsellor, coach, motivator, mentor, sounding board, and to provide career guidance for up to 50 young fellas,” he said.
“I’ve been in coaching for about nine years now and I think it’s time to step back for a year or two and take care of my own health.
“I revealed my depression early on in the year. It doesn’t matter who you are – f*** the stereotypical strongman. You have to reveal what you’re going through.
“Look at those finishing up in footy – all of a sudden their routine is gone. Clubs need to understand their social responsibility, rather than being just a good sports club that practices responsible service of alcohol. They can be a portal to understanding social issues like this.
“(But) the club has been good – they’ve supported my decision.”
Chris Kent and Chris Jones have taken over Hallinan’s duties from this weekend onwards, with Chris Langley also continuing in his role as a playing-assistant.
