Guys,
As someone who has been immensely proud to have represented the RFC, importantly, to have had the honour of coaching an extremely pround team for the past four years, this is indeed a most difficult letter to write.
Since the Carlton and Kangaroos games last month, I've had time to think about the game and to review my position as coach. And while I have reaped enormous enjoyment and satisfaction from representing the RFC and sharing in so many memorable moments, I must admit that some personal doubts have emerged these past few weeks concerning whether I would indeed be serving the best interests of the Tigers and my own best interests.
When I was appointed coach of the Tigers, I vowed that when I eventually left the Tigers, hopefully, the standing of the team in the AFL would be higher than what it was when I assumed the leadership role as coach. As well, on a personal basis, it was always my desire to depart the game with a satisfying individual contribution. I believe both goals have not been achieved and will not be achieved.
As you and your colleagues are aware, I have deliberately refrained from making long-term plans concerning my coaching future these past few weeks; rather, it has come down to a week-by-week decision influenced largely by the teams form and how well I was enjoying the game at the time.
And, in considering my future from 2003 onwards, uppermost in my mind has been a strong desire to spend more time at home with my wife and family.
This has been a tough decision, but clearly the right one in my view. I am entirely satisfied I have made the correct decision, and for the right reasons.
I would be most grateful if you would please convey to your colleagues, sponsors and supports and the many other people involved in the RFC, my great appreciation for their support and encouragement over the years.
I would also like to take this opportunity to record the immense enjoyment I have had from the many enduring friendships I've struck at the Tigers, from my days as a youngster in Ballarat and St.Kilda through to a finals win at the MCG against Carlton. I will now have more time to enjoy these friendships.
It has been a great honour to have coached the RFC. To my successor and the players who are chosen for the coming draft, I wish them the same level of success and satisfaction. I will be with them in spirit all the way.
Yours sincerely,
D. Frawley
As someone who has been immensely proud to have represented the RFC, importantly, to have had the honour of coaching an extremely pround team for the past four years, this is indeed a most difficult letter to write.
Since the Carlton and Kangaroos games last month, I've had time to think about the game and to review my position as coach. And while I have reaped enormous enjoyment and satisfaction from representing the RFC and sharing in so many memorable moments, I must admit that some personal doubts have emerged these past few weeks concerning whether I would indeed be serving the best interests of the Tigers and my own best interests.
When I was appointed coach of the Tigers, I vowed that when I eventually left the Tigers, hopefully, the standing of the team in the AFL would be higher than what it was when I assumed the leadership role as coach. As well, on a personal basis, it was always my desire to depart the game with a satisfying individual contribution. I believe both goals have not been achieved and will not be achieved.
As you and your colleagues are aware, I have deliberately refrained from making long-term plans concerning my coaching future these past few weeks; rather, it has come down to a week-by-week decision influenced largely by the teams form and how well I was enjoying the game at the time.
And, in considering my future from 2003 onwards, uppermost in my mind has been a strong desire to spend more time at home with my wife and family.
This has been a tough decision, but clearly the right one in my view. I am entirely satisfied I have made the correct decision, and for the right reasons.
I would be most grateful if you would please convey to your colleagues, sponsors and supports and the many other people involved in the RFC, my great appreciation for their support and encouragement over the years.
I would also like to take this opportunity to record the immense enjoyment I have had from the many enduring friendships I've struck at the Tigers, from my days as a youngster in Ballarat and St.Kilda through to a finals win at the MCG against Carlton. I will now have more time to enjoy these friendships.
It has been a great honour to have coached the RFC. To my successor and the players who are chosen for the coming draft, I wish them the same level of success and satisfaction. I will be with them in spirit all the way.
Yours sincerely,
D. Frawley
