Harbrow leaves Hawks in much better place
AFL MANUNDA Hawks are on the hunt for a new leading man after Marc Harbrow ended his five-year coaching stint at the AFL Cairns club.
Harbrow called full time on his reign as Manunda coach last week, ending a stint that helped rebuild the proud Hawks club and featured a grand final berth in 2017.
But for Harbrow, a coach’s success isn’t just measured by a team’s achievements and results on the field.
The role a coach can play in a man or woman’s life is equally, if not more, important, and it is that impact he will cherish.
“I’ve had time to reflect and it was all positive,” he said.
“Any coach would admit there’s a few challenges that go with it.
“You impact your players as footballers and people. Coaching is great on the field but the biggest aspect is helping those players become better people.”
Harbrow didn’t win a flag for the Hawks, but there’s no doubting his influence in helping Manunda rise from a club without a presence in the AFL Cairns senior competition to one that played in a decider.
The rollercoaster continued in his last two seasons, missing the finals in 2018, then reaching the preliminary final this year but falling to the Cutters.
“We certainly had the players and the talent to win a grand final but it doesn’t always work like that,” Harbrow (pictured) said.
“We’ve had our fair share of talent over the years.
“I’ve made a lot of friendships and we built a strong relationship with the Hawks family over the years.”
Manunda have advertised for an experienced coach to take the reins of the senior squad, and Harbrow said he had no doubt there would be no shortage of applicants.
Part of that is due to the Hawks family, while the prospect of training and playing out of Cazalys Stadium, arguably the best Aussie rules venue north of Brisbane, should excite any coach.
“That’s a great attraction in itself,” Harbrow said.
“Whoever comes into the club will have a strong platform to build from.
“I’m sure it will be much easier than when I came in.”
Chris Novy was awarded the senior team’s best and fairest, Joe Michael took out the honour in reserve grade and Will Swaffer won it in the Colts.