EDFL: Tom Gleeson Reflects On Leaving Coburg Districts

Following his decision to leave Coburg Districts after five years as coach, Tom Gleeson discussed the highlights of his time with the EDFL club.

Tom Gleeson is aware that he needs to leave Coburg District.

Gleeson has announced his departure from the Essendon District League club after five years (four as senior coach).

Gleeson claimed he was doing what was best for his family of three, which included a new baby on the way.

"I'm humbled by all the messages I've received since the news was made public, but I never coached for all the personal accolades," he stated.

There is no such thing as giving less than 100% when coaching. It's not right for the team or the club if you reach a point where you can't do that anymore.

"That's why I've decided to leave," she said.

The former VFL-listed forward joined the Lions as a playing assistant in 2019, where he promptly replaced Chris Tankard and promptly kicked 30 goals in his debut season.

The 2020 season, which was meant to be his first as coach, was wiped out by the COVID epidemic, and the 2021 season was also negatively affected.

In 2022, Districts made it all the way to the preliminary final, but ultimately lost to Oak Park.

However, Gleeson remembers the journey to that point as the most exciting part of his stay at Cole Reserve.

"Covid was a period that was make or break for clubs," he remarked.

The club pulled together and overcame the challenge. In comparison to other teams, I believe we only lost one or two players during that time.

It was a huge success to keep everyone together. On the other side of COVID, it put us in a strong position. One of the biggest obstacles is keeping good people on board, but you also need to bring in new blood if you want to succeed and improve.

The Lions slipped to fifth place in 2023, missing the playoffs by percentage points.

"We weren't good enough in the end," he admitted.

We played some terrific football, but we also had stretches where we weren't very good. There is a very high level of competitiveness, and it is always difficult.

Gleeson, who was only able to participate in nine games this year due to his injury, insists he has no plans to retire from the game.

"I was very fortunate to spend a good five years with Coburg Districts," he said.

Cat (president Allan Chandler), Adam Patterson (assistant coach), Anthony Caccamo (co-president), and Nick Byrne are just a few of the people who have helped make my life easier, and I'd like to thank them.