Just got home from work. Had most of the day to process the news. Was really flat at work today, tried to hide it but was noticed by a few. Haven’t felt this way for a while. I knew this day would come sooner or later but was hoping for later.
Firstly. Thank you Dimma. Thank you for what you have done for our club over the past 14 years. You came to the club when we were a laughing stock and what many considered a basket case. You helped drive the change of culture and turned us into a powerhouse club. You made us feared and respected again. I remember when you took over and in your first season. The media said we were worse than Fitzroy were in their dying days, and some betting agencies were paying out on us winning the spoon by round 10. You got us into finals for the first time in 12 years, the first time we played in 3 consecutive finals series in 40 years, and of course, our first flag in nearly 4 decades. That day in 2017 was one of the most memorable and happiest days in my life, as I’m sure it was for hundreds of thousands of fellow supporters. If that was the only flag I would get to see I would have died a happy man. But it wasn’t and got to see 2 more ( 1 in person, 1 on the couch). You led us to our most successful era in nearly 50 years. I thank you for letting me experience that.
I‘m glad you get to go out on your terms. While I would have loved you to coach one more game , just so we can farewell and thank you, you owe us nothing and we owe you everything for the joy and happiness over the past 6 years in particular. I know you were only a part of a much larger team in bringing that success to fruition, you were a huge part of it.
Success seems to happen wherever you turn up. First at Essendon for a flag, then to Port for another as a player. Some might say you were in the right place at the right time for those ( you hold the record for most consecutive Minor premierships, Essendon 1999-2001, Port 2002-2004). But then you went to Hawthorn as an assistant coach and another flag followed in 2008. Nobody could honestly say you got lucky when you came to us. You turned the culture around and it led to the Holy Grail 3 more times, plus another minor premiership in 2018. 8 finals series in 13 completed seasons is outstanding. Our longest serving coach. Coaching some of the greatest players in our clubs history. Again, thank you for everything you’ve done since you arrived at our club.
I know you will probably end up coaching elsewhere sometime in the future and I hope you continue your success ( except when against us). I have only one request. Please don’t go to Carlton or Geelong. Any goodwill will be instantly evaporated if you do
All the best Dimma
