The leader of the Mittagong Lions first grade has decided to step down as head coach.
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After three years at the helm, Dan Beardshaw is calling it a day and handing the reigns over.
This final season of his isn't how he wanted to bow out, but understands the difficulties he and the team faced.
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"The season didn't finish how we wanted," Beardshaw said.
"It's been a very tough year. At one point we had 16 players out due to injury. They were pretty serious injuries too.
"We had a few knee injuries, ligament tears and a broken ball socket of a shoulder. A number of key players were out for the year. When you're trying to compete against ex-NRL players with younger, smaller young adults that are enthusiastic but still physically growing, it's a bit of a tough ask."
The future looks extremely bright for the now ex-head coach. Beardshaw had a lot on his plate when he was in the Southern Highlands and leading into 2020 some things stay the same, but he knows it's the most important.
"I'm getting married early next year," Beardshaw said.
"We got engaged in New Zealand at the start of the year. When I took on the Mittagong position, I was working in the Southern Highlands. At the beginning of 2018, my work moved me to the Canterbury district. Living in Campbelltown, driving to Belmore in heavy traffic, then to the Highlands for training.
"I didn't mind it, but when your partner doesn't see you, that takes a toll."
Looking back on his time with the Lions, Beardshaw has no regrets and believes the best is yet to come for the club.
"I've taken pride in everything, Billy Hayward, the staff and I have done with my time at the club," Beardshaw said.
"Our hearts were in the right place and I wouldn't have done anything different. I feel we've left the club in a stronger position.
"I really believed in bringing local players through and building through the local juniors. We turned down players in the past who didn't want to be a part of that philosophy. The three years I've been at the club, I'm leaving on great terms with everybody and it feels like the right time to step aside."
Beardshaw is focused on his future. That may or may not include coaching football again, but for now he has one prerogative, and that's his family.
"My work has moved me into the Campbelltown area," Beardshaw said.
"I'll be working within the Liverpool area, if something in football pops up that interests me, I may have a think about it, but for right now, I want to spend more time with my family. I'm looking forward to growing a family and taking time away from the game.
"I can't wait to sit back and actually enjoy watching the Lions play instead of stressing out. I might even go buy myself a ute and put a couch on the back of it and watch the games that way (laughs)."
