By BRAD McGRATH
REIGNING VFL coach of the year Brett Lovett has quit the Casey Scorpions.
Lovett, 46, said the rigours of coaching at VFL level, family and business commitments meant that he would not see out his two-year contract with the Scorpions.
‘‘I just decided that the time was right to put more time into the family and business,’’ he said. ‘‘The level of the VFL is going up every year and the players require a lot of time with game reviews and editing tapes.’’
Lovett took on the Scorpions’ top job last summer when Brad Gotch took an assistant coaching role with Port Adelaide in the AFL.
Scorpions general manager Brian Woodman said Lovett had made an outstanding contribution in his one season with the club.
‘‘We’re disappointed to lose such a fine football person, but we understand his reasons,’’ he said. ’’It’s about him wanting to spend more time with his family and also putting more in to his nursery business. Brett is first and foremost a genuine family man so we can see how he’s come to this decision.’’
Woodman said the Scorpions would work closely with alignment partner Melbourne to find Lovett’s replacement.
Lovett said that towards the end of the VFL season he knew he could not continue in the role.
The former Melbourne star’s son, Jake, is a promising footballer and is in line to be selected with TAC Cup team Dandenong Stingrays under-16 outfit. ‘‘At the end of the season — like any player or coach — you either commit or you don’t,’’ Lovett said.
‘‘My son had been trialling with the Dandenong Stingrays’ squad and I couldn’t go — my wife took him out there and that’s all great. But it’s crazy doing what I’m doing when, at the age Jake is at, I should be supporting him. I’ve got two daughters as well.’’
The former Frankston Dolphins and Sandringham mentor would not rule out a coaching return in the future. ‘‘I’m 46 now and I don’t know how long you can coach for,’’ he said. ‘‘At the moment I’m just going to spend some time with the kids but you never know what will happen.’’
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