By RUSSELL BENNETT
ARGUABLY the most enticing senior coaching job in west Gippsland just opened up, with Cora Lynn mentor Travis Marsham announcing that this will be his last season at the Cobras.
Marsham, who will turn 40 later this year, originally signed a two-year deal at Cora Lynn with an option for a third and he’s currently in the second year of that deal after winning his first premiership as a senior coach last season.
Before joining the Cobras, Marsham came agonisingly close to winning senior flags with Gembrook Cockatoo in 2010, 2011 and 2012 but fell short each time.
But everything fell into place last season – through a power of hard work and dedication by the club, Marsham, his coaching staff and his players. That’s one thing that’s immediately obvious – he doesn’t do anything by halves. When he’s involved with a team, he’s all in.
“I just felt this was probably time (to walk away),” Marsham told the Gazette.
“I want to spend more time with the family and I wouldn’t be able to give Cora Lynn the time I do now.”
As well as having a young family, Marsham also has business interests he’s keen to explore, as well as spending more time in his role as a scout with St Kilda in the AFL.
“It just feels like life has taken a new turn,” he said.
“Cora Lynn is a brilliant club with outstanding people on and off field.
“It’s so well run and there are also some fantastic leaders within the playing group.”
Marsham informed his playing group on Wednesday night of his decision, which he admits was a tough thing to do.
“Not everyone agreed with the timing,” he said.
“But the club wanted to get moving on a new coach.”
Cora Lynn now joins a list of clubs looking for new coaches from next season onwards, but first thing’s first – capitalising on a 15-0 start to this season.
“Nothing changes,” Marsham said.
“It’s such a good side and the boys are really focused on the job at hand.”
Marsham said last year’s premiership was his number one moment so far in his time as a senior coach, having been a part of a hugely successful era at Narre Warren as an assistant before experiencing the heartbreak of coming so close at Gembrook.
He has been involved in coaching at various clubs and levels for 13 years and will step away at the end of the season with friendships that last a lifetime – well beyond the boundary of any footy field.
“It’ll be nice to able to have a beer and watch a game on a Saturday now,” he said.
“I’ve had my time.
“Now I’ll see what the next 20 years brings after 20 years of senior footy.”
In a statement provided to the Gazette, Cora Lynn Football Club president Andrew Bergmeier said: “Trav has taken the level of professionalism of our club to another level, and although we are disappointed that he will not be coaching us in 2016, we are thrilled that he has agreed to stay on to help the club.
The executive committee met with Trav in the middle of the year and we asked him to inform us before finals started of his decision on 2016, so that we could start our planning for next season. We all know how important being on the front foot is and we have such a solid platform of strength at our club that a timely announcement allows us to take the appropriate time to appoint the right coach for us moving forward.
“As we know the appointment of the senior coach is the key appointment at the club and we will be going to see what’s in the market.
“Expressions of interest can be sent to clfcsec@dcsi.net.au. We are thrilled that both Trav and Aussie (Jones) will definitely be involved with the appointment of our next senior coach, so our club’s next chapter is in great hands.
“Trav has proven to be the ultimate club coach. We cannot thank him and his amazing family enough for the outstanding positive impact they’ve had at our club.”
