After more than six years as senior coach of the Hampton Rovers Football Club, Anthony Quon has announced that he’ll be stepping down from the role at the conclusion of the 2023 season.
Quon has been a genuine asset for the Rovers, having been appointed to the role of senior coach mid-way through the 2017 season. His passion for the club is second to none. After playing 171 games in the green & gold, during which time he coached four years in the juniors, he’s coached in the VAFA for 12 years in all, including an Under 19 premiership in 2009, and later the reserves across three seasons.
As senior coach, he’s taken the Rovers to two finals series over the five uninterrupted seasons, including one Grand Final, and was one point off securing a Grand Final spot and promotion last season, with an overall 52% winning percentage.
Now after seven years and 94 games in charge of the Seniors, he believes the time is right for a fresh voice at the club, while for him, it’s time to prioritise time with his young family after coaching at various levels for 20 of the past 23 years.
Quon’s final game in charge will be the round 18 match against Ormond at EE Gunn Reserve, a club which has a storied rivalry with the Rovers over many years, and a rivalry which has been a competitive one throughout Quon’s tenure.
“It has been an honour and privilege to coach the club I played over 170 games for,” Quon said.
“Within this role there are many highs and lows, and I can honestly say that for the most part, there have been more highs than lows.
“There are many people to thank over my time in charge, from Steve Anderson, Gary Nash and Tony Naumoff to the many players over the years.
“I feel I have done the best I could and I’m appreciative of the support shown by all. The COVID period of 2020 was no doubt the hardest period, however I feel we came out a stronger group of players, creating a ‘training is cool’ mentality.
“I hope to see as many of you over the coming 2-3 weeks to thank you in person, and hopefully we can finish off the season strong with two more victories and that the U19s have a successful finals period.”
Rovers President Gary Nash thanked Anthony for his loyalty and commitment to the club.
“On behalf of the entire Hampton Rovers Football Club, I thank Anthony for his unwavering support over such a long period. He bleeds green and gold and has given his all throughout his tenure.
“Quonny, you should be very proud of the impact you have had on the playing group, there are many players who you have helped develop, not only to be their best on the field, but also off field.
“I know the incredible time commitment you gave week in week out and on behalf of the Rovers community, I cannot thank you enough….you leave us knowing you left no stone unturned. Congratulations and we wish you and your family all the best for the future.”
The senior coaching sub-committee have commenced planning for the next period and will keep you updated.
