Football: Heath pulls the pin

He came and he conquered in 2010.

But this year former AFL star Heath Black has confused the South West Football League by calling a shock end to his time as coach of Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault — the club he only four months ago took to a stunning premiership triumph.

Yesterday Black said personal reasons were behind his surprise resignation that leaves the reigning premiers in the unprecedented position of having to find anew coach on the eve of their pre-season.

‘‘The timing wasn’t great obviously, being so close to the start of the year, but I’ve really got to put family first in this decision,’’ he said.

‘‘I’ve got children up in Perth that I see every secondweekend. Coaching is not just something that you roll out on the weekend, you’re putting about 20-25 hours a week in.

‘‘Having to commute backwards and forwards with the childrenwas a little bit tough.’’

Last season Black spoke about his long-term desire to develop the club’s list.Nowinwhat both parties insist is an amicable end to Black’s duties as a tactician, he is poised join the Lions’ playing ranks.

He made four on-field appearances for HBL in 2010.

His year-long stint as coach of the Lions was never short of colour and at times polarised the league.

Coming to the South West as ‘‘the most unemployable person in Perth’’— his own words — Black made a glittering start to his new role by raising thousands of dollars for charity through his Batten’s Battle fundraiser match in March before leading HBL on a stunning premiership run that saw the club, that was previously outside the top five, lose only two of their last 13 games in a devastating raid on the 2010 silverware.

But he also came under fire from many because of his brutal grand final strategy that saw a number of South Bunbury players targeted.

‘‘Who could ask for a greater start than last year?’’Black said.

‘‘To come from where we came from and to work with a group of guys like last year was amazing.

‘‘I think the positive for the footy club is that I’ll still be actively involved in raising revenue, this year, and also I can play.

‘‘That is going to be key to making the transition a little easier with the members and the players.

''I can rub shoulders with them as a teammate.’’

Club president Angelo Catalano conceded that Black’s resignation was a huge loss, but was glad hewould continue as coach until a replacement was found.

‘‘We spent a day together last week planning what we can do for the future, and who we’re going to try and attract to the club (to coach),’’ Catalano said.

‘‘We’ve got some people that we’re going to speak to, and we’re hopeful we’ll find the right person to help.

''We do have people that we’ve got in mind.’’