The past six seasons have seen the Yoogali side reach five grand finals picking up four titles, but Santolin is now looking forward to guiding the next crop of first graders.

"I just started to sense that inside myself that I'd probably taken this group as far as I could," he said.

"I definitely don't want to be that coach that gets forced out because the message isn't hitting home. I definitely see myself doing it again one day, but I just found myself feeling like I had more to offer the younger group.

"I think it is a positive step for not only myself but also the club."

Santolin feels the excitement is back when he thinks about what he wants to achieve with the under 23s who started to show their potential in the 2021 season before COVID restrictions brought an early close to their campaign, which saw them mounting a late charge for a top-four finish.

"Those who have played for me know I am a very hands-on coach, and the improvement of the 23s squad throughout the year was significant," he said.

"I just think they were lacking a bit of stability which is where I started to find myself getting a bit excited.

"I have big plans, and they are such a brilliant group of young kids, and I'm hoping we can bolster the numbers by maybe five or six next year and really give it a good crack.

"I think we saw at the end of the season that we have what it takes to beat any team in the competition, and I want to bring that stability and polish."

The under 23s coach made a few appearances last season as an overage player and didn't rule out doing it again if the need arose.

"I definitely don't want to hang up the boots yet," he said.

"It was already happening where I would insert myself when needed, but it is all about the future now. I'm a Yoogali man, and it is all about the club's success.

"If I get a kick, then fantastic if not, it is because there are better options, and that is a good thing for our future."

RELATED

The club has already started plans for next season as they look to make a charge in both first and under 23s, starting with information sessions in October.

"We will have a bit of a kick for any new players who want to come and ask questions and see what we are all," he said.

"We will have some actual training sessions throughout November leading up to Christmas before pre-season kicks in early next year."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: