While he ended up enjoying the coaching role, George believed stepping down would allow the club’s youth the flourish.

"At this stage I won't be looking to take on the coaching role for next season,” George said.

"I've had my turn and really enjoyed the experience but I think it's time to give someone else a go.

"I really think given how many younger guys we have in the side, they would really benefit from having a non-playing coach.”

Along with helping the juniors, George believed having a non-playing coach take over would also improve his own game.

"I would say the role probably did hurt my footy this season,” George said of coaching.

"Doing both certainly does take a toll. It's certainly tough to do both, especially as an on-baller.

"Still I am really happy that I did it, it was pleasing to see us get to the grand final and really develop as a side.

"I suppose the part I enjoyed most was having those young first year guys at the club and helping teach them. That's certainly something I am really keen to continue doing.”

After a slow start to the year, Gunnedah turned their season around to progress to the grand final where they were beaten by the Inverell Saints.

With a changing side, George said just making the grand final was “a big achievement”.

"I think the premiership hangover did hit us a little bit with quite a few of our premiership players not going around again or playing part time,” George said.

"While it was disappointing not to go back-to-back it was pleasing to see us get there given we had a very different side to last year.

"A lot of that was down to our younger players who really developed over the course of the season.”