A candid Darren Bennet says “self-awareness” is behind his decision to step down as co-coach of Corio.
In charge of the club since 2019, the Devils great says it’s time to step aside from the role and leave son Joel in charge after sharing the role for the past four seasons.
“When I reflect on my own performance, I wasn’t handling a few situations as well mentally as I have in the past,” Bennett said.
“I’m aware of a few signs of a bit of burnout.
“So, If I can’t give it 100 per cent, it’s probably time.”
A 300-game player at Corio, Bennett was an assistant coach at GFNL club Geelong West when he took on the position with the Devils at their lowest point.
They’d gone winless through the 2018 season and endured another season without a victory in his first season at Shell Reserve.
However, Bennett has taken great pride in helping return Corio to relevance in the GDFNL post-COVID.
“We had to do a bit of work to win some respect back and make it a real welcoming club,” he said.
“I think that it is now, and I’m really proud of that.”
Despite stepping down as co-coach, the Bennett family’s investment in the club, including the contribution of wife Lynda, means Darren will take another off-field role.
“I can’t help myself, so I’ll probably bob up somewhere,” he said.
“It’s been a real team effort. When I came back, Lynda and I made a pact to throw everything at it, and I think we’ve done that.
“I think it’s a far better place than when we first got there.”
GDFNL – GOOD EVANS – LIONS BACK ON TRACK
Corio’s return so far this season is two wins and a draw with reigning premier Inverleigh.
However, the days of the massive hiding the Devils were regularly on the end of are gone.
Saturday’s 76-point loss to the finals-bound Belmont Lions was only the second margin greater than 50 points for the season.
Bennett hopes at least two more wins will be claimed before the season ends, with Bell Post Hill and Geelong West – who sit below the Devils on the ladder – bookending the club’s final five rounds.
“The aim is to have some fun with the boys and get a couple of wins on the board on the way out,” he said.
X: @krockfootball
