ADAM Dowie leaves Hampden league senior coaching a contented man.
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He also stands aside as one of the most decorated leaders in the competition’s 86-year history, with a resume boasting six premierships across three clubs.
The tactically savvy Dowie finished his career on a stage he knows well – grand final day.
He led Koroit to a come-from-behind win over North Warrnambool Eagles on Saturday, as the Saints made it three flags in four years under his leadership.
That hat-trick followed his successes at Terang Mortlake (2004-05) and Warrnambool (2010).
“I didn’t think I would actually ever coach one, to be honest,” Dowie said after the Saints’ 33-point win over the Eagles.
“I remember the first one at Terang Mortlake ‘I thought, I’m a Hampden league premiership coach’.
“It will be something I suppose I am proud of but for me it’s been a really great journey.
“I’ve just been lucky to be involved in three really fantastic football clubs – Warrnambool here as a player and coach, Terang Mortlake and then Koroit.
“Koroit, for me, what a great way to finish because they’re such a wonderful club. It’s been terrific.”
Dowie forged a reputation as a meticulous planner with an ability to get the best out of players.
The high school teacher said he was now ready to step back, watch his four young sons play and enjoy a quiet beer on a Friday night.
“Saturdays, to be honest, have never really been enjoyable. As I said the other day, it’s the fear of failure,” Dowie said. “I don’t have to live by that anymore. If we had lost today, that would sit with me for a long time.”