Walsh led the Power to their 2019 triumph and was also assistant playing-coach when the group won the 2017 flag.

His team was again in contention this year before the 2021 finals were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The successful mentor said he was looking forward to having a break from both playing and coaching.

"I do love coaching, I've got a genuine passion for it and absolutely love it but I just need to have a spell," he said.

"I've got two young kids and I do put a lot of time and effort into it so it just felt like the right time to take 12 months and have a bit of breather and then reassess.

"I'd like to coach again at some point but for now I'm keen just to have a break and go and watch plenty of local footy, including the Power and probably Koroit and take the kids to the footy.

"And just spend a bit more time with the family, at times when you're putting so much effort into the footy it can feel like sometimes the priorities are around the wrong way with family and footy. So I just want to make sure I get that balance right."

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Walsh and his wife, Sheree have Leo, 4, and George, 2.

Walsh spent five seasons at the Power after crossing from Hampden league club, Koroit.

He was assistant coach in 2017 and 2018 before taking on the senior reins.

"It's been a great five years and probably just what I was looking for, I got everything out of myself at a Hampden league level," he said.

"So I was looking for something new and something different and it couldn't have turned out better and as you get older you learn to appreciate the other things that come with a footy club rather than just wins, losses and premierships."

He said the thing he valued most about being at the club were the relationships he had developed with people both on and off the field.

Walsh is grateful to everyone at the club and said it would be great to thank them in-person if and when restrictions allow.

The Power mentor is big on appreciating the work people put in behind-the-scenes.

"They're the people that make footy clubs so great, particularly ones from small communities," he said.

President Paul Dunn lauded Walsh's contribution to the club.

"Everything he's done for the club has been A1 standard, he's fantastic, couldn't be more proud of what he's achieved," he said.

Dunn said he admired Walsh's all-of-club approach.

"He tries to incorporate all the grades from under 12s onward," he said.

The president recalled a day when the premiership coach turned up to an under 12s match against East Warrnambool.

Walsh had a whiteboard and ran through how the senior team played and what attributes they brought to their footy which was inspiring for the youngsters.

"It showed his character," Dunn said.

"He's a top bloke and we are really going to miss him. I wish him all the best for his future."

Dunn said Walsh bought into the community aspect which is what the club is all about.

The president said the club hadn't appointed a new coach yet.

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