Chris Browne has cited family reasons for his decision to step down as coach of GFNL club Geelong West just 11 matches into a three-year contract.
Giants players were told upon arriving at training tonight (Tuesday) that Browne’s tenure at Scaada Stadium had ended.
“Coaching Geelong West has been one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of my football journey,” Browne said in a statement provided to K rock Football by the Giants.
“After a great deal of reflection, I’ve decided that it is the right time for me to step away and prioritise my family, while achieving a better balance between football and life.”
Browne, a former assistant coach under Garry Hocking at Leopold, was appointed in September last year to replace Greg Mellor, who had held the role since 2018.
He spent 2025 as an assistant with the VAFA Premier club Uni Blacks, and also played in the amateur competition with De La Salle, which he captained.
“Since taking on the position, Chris has demonstrated outstanding professionalism, commitment and passion for the Geelong West Giants,” the club said in the statement.
“His leadership has had a significant impact both on and off the field, helping to build a strong culture, develop our playing group and foster an environment centred on respect, accountability and continuous improvement.”
Geelong West won consecutive matches against the winless North Shore and fellow strugglers St Albans, either side of their Round 4 bye.
The Giants were also competitive against Leopold and Colac in the opening two rounds of the season.
However, with injury and unavailability biting hard, they have lost seven consecutive matches by an average margin of 74 points.
An interim senior coach will be appointed in the coming days for the remaining seven matches of the season, starting with a clash against Newtown & Chilwell at Scaada Stadium on Saturday.
Two-time Drysdale premiership coach Wade Chapman and former Portarlington caretaker Nathan Storer are both assistants at Geelong West.
In May, the club’s GDFNL section parted company with playing coach Scott Frangos after five straight losses to open his third season in charge.
X: @krockfootball
