Greg Hutchison will not coach the Casey Scorpions again next year after choosing to stay at St Kilda. 22157 Picture: Meagan Rogers.By Marc McGowan
THE Casey Scorpions are looking for their third coach in as many seasons after Greg Hutchison told the VFL club last Wednesday that he was staying at St Kilda.
Hutchison’s coaching future had been unclear since the Saints announced in June that they were ending their eight-year alignment with the Scorpions to join VFL rival Sandringham.
St Kilda officials further clouded the situation when they announced in September that Andy Lovell, Sandringham’s 2008 coach, would remain in that role next year.
Hutchison played 96 VFL/AFL games for Melbourne and was its caretaker coach for 13 matches in 1997.
Melbourne is expected to be Casey’s new AFL partner, and Hutchison’s background with the Demons fuelled expectation that he could coach the Scorpions again next year.
But Hutchison will instead take on a match-day role with the Saints in 2009 despite Casey president John Sharkie and general manager Brian Woodman wanting him back at Casey Fields.
“I really enjoyed my time and had terrific support from everyone involved. It was a difficult decision to make,” Hutchison said.
“It’s been a good 12 months there and I’ll certainly keep an eye on how they’re going.
“Casey needs someone who can develop and nurture the young talent there.”
Woodman was “very disappointed” with Hutchison’s decision, but praised his performance this year.
“The reason we waited so long was because he was a sensational coach for us,” Woodman said.
“He took a side that was expected to drop out of the final eight at the start of the year to a side that finished fifth.
“We’re very disappointed, but we understand that the opportunity is still there with the Saints and we wish him all the best because he’s been terrific for the footy club.”
Woodman also confirmed that the Scorpions would be aligning with Melbourne despite problems arising in the Demons’ proposed move to Casey Fields, which they would use as a temporary summer training base.
Melbourne officials have expressed concern about the long-term delivery of its community program in the City of Casey.
Woodman said Casey officials would not undertake the extended search for a new coach like they did last year after former mentor Peter Banfield’s resignation.
Former North Melbourne star Peter German has emerged as the leading contender to replace Hutchison.
He has spent the last two years as an assistant coach at Fremantle after coaching WAFL club Subiaco to flags in 2004 and 2006.
Former Gippsland Power mentor Paul Hudson was also in the running until accepting a position at Collingwood.
