Lovett moved by Fins’ tenure

OUTGOING Gold Coast women’s coach Garry Lovett admits he shed tears over the decision to leave his post but insists the time is right for a changing of the guard at Bill Pippen Oval.

The driving force behind the establishment of the Dolphins’ first women’s team in 2009-10, Lovett last month revealed he would bring down the curtain on his coaching reign at the end of the current Katherine Raymont Shield campaign in March.

A combination of work and family commitments, coupled with a desire to bring in someone with “fresh ideas”, sparked the decision, which follows a breakthrough title for the first grade side in last season’s Twenty20 competition.

While their premiership defence came to an end last weekend, they remain perfectly poised for an assault on the one-day crown, sitting top of the table with five wins from six games.

A 51-year-old father-ofthree, Lovett agonised over his exit but said his focus now turned to bowing out in style.

“I just want to make sure the girls get the chance to add the one-day title to the T20 title from last year. That’s my main focus … to walk away with another premiership would be nice,” Lovett, whose time with the women’s team was interrupted by a two-season stint with the men, said.

“After 10 or 11 years, it’s kind of time (to finish up). I gave it a bit of thought at the end of last season, it had nothing to do with winning the T20 premiership either.

“Girls see the same bloke every Sunday and they need someone to come in with fresh ideas. It was a bloody hard decision, I didn’t realise how hard it was going to be.

“There was a few tears from the girls and myself (but) I think it’s the right decision for the club and the girls. Even now I’m starting to choke up, just the thought of not being that main man.

“I’m kind of like a second father to some of these younger

AFTER 10 OR 11 YEARS, IT’S KIND OF TIME (TO FINISH UP) LOVETT ON LEAVING HIS POST

girls as well. I’m someone they can come and talk to.

“We’ve had some pretty good times and some downs as well. Our main focus now is to get through to the end of the season.”

However, Lovett, who has been well supported by second grade coach Tanya Roessler throughout his time at the helm, stressed he would not be entirely lost to the club.

“I have spoken to the club and I will still be involved. I can’t walk away altogether,” he said. “It’s been a long journey, a hard journey but I’ve loved every minute of it.”

The Dolphins’ women’s side have a bye this weekend.