It is with regret that I announce the retirement of our 2022 Premiership Coach Matthew Horne. In what has been a very demanding role, Matt has decided now is the time to retire on the ultimate of highs as the 2022 Premiership Coach.

In advising me of his decision Matt said it was time to focus on his young family and work commitments.

Matt epitomizes what it means to be “Griff for life” and I wish to thank him for his long service to the club, starting in Under 10s then playing in every age group, he was senior assistant coach and then became our Senior Coach in 2019. With 2021 arguably being his best season as coach, taking the Seniors to the top of the ladder with a percentage well ahead of all challengers, I have no doubt we would have taken out the premiership title that year if not for covid.

Season 2022 proved to be possibly his most challenging with numerous players unavailable early in the season, but Matt kept the group focused to climb the ladder after being out of the top four at times. The team finished second and was positioned well to take the title, an outstanding achievement.

Thank you Matt for your commitment to our great club. We wish you, Sarah and your young family nothing but good fortune for the future.

John Elliott

President

On behalf the SFC committee and members.