After one of the more unusual first years in a coaching role, John Mustafa has resigned as Fitzroy-ACU senior coach to take one last shot at resurrecting his playing career.

John worked incredibly hard with the playing group in the pre-season and managed an excellent turn out for training within the COVID-19 restrictions earlier this year, but with time off in lockdown his own footy injuries and niggles have settled to such an extent that he intends to pull the boots back on.

Despite not coaching an official senior game with Fitzroy-ACU, John had the support of the Board to continue coaching in 2021 but has decided to play instead.

President Joan Eddy thanked John and wished him all the best with his football and future coaching career.

We thank John enormously for his commitment to keeping the team connected and engaged during one of the most challenging seasons you could imagine and for his efforts in helping the players train each session during the earlier Covid restrictions.

While John didnt actually get to coach an official game this year, he put a huge effort into the role and we wish him all the best in the future./p>

The club is now in the hunt for an excellent senior womens coach. You can find out more about the role here. Please encourage those who may be interested to apply as soon as possible.

Initial queries about the position can be referred to Director, Football Operations, Sharon Torney or Director, Player Recruitment and Wellbeing, Michael Pickering.