PORT Fairy Football Netball Club is on the lookout for a new president after Mick Finnigan told club officials he would stand down at the end of the season.
Finnigan is only months away from completing a two-year term as president on the back of his first stint in the job from 2000 to 2006.
The 56-year-old dairy farmer cited family and business interests for his decision.
“I’ve decided to pass on the baton at the end of this season,” Finnigan said yesterday.
“I had a long chat with Helen (wife) over the past few weeks and I came to the decision it’s time to get some fresh blood in the role.
“I’m pleased that the club is in a very strong financial position and that has come about by strong decisions made by the club and having great sponsors and supporters.”
The Seagulls have been under fire this season for rejecting clearance applications from some players who had signed two-year contracts.
Finnigan said he was pleased that the club had maintained its strong stance on the issue.
“During my two terms as president of the club, we’ve been looked on as the whipping club in the Hampden Football Netball League,” he said.
“We took a stance this season to show other clubs that Port Fairy was not going to be dictated to by other clubs. I believe the club is heading in the right direction for success.
“(Senior coach) Bernie Harris is doing a great job. We’ve blooded a lot of young players this season, which will prove the right decision in the future.
“Our netballers are doing a great job and I firmly believe on the back of our current financial position, the club is heading in the right direction.”
Finnigan said his decision to stand down with seven rounds left in the season was the correct one.
“It just gives the club the time to scout around and see who is interested in taking up the role,” he said.
“The position is time consuming, but it’s also very rewarding, as you see the young footballers and netballers develop their skills in their chosen sports and in life.
“I’ve had 12 years involved as either president or on the committee and I just need a break.”
