Stawell president Robert Nicholson said the Warriors had already put the recruiting wheels in motion and would work hard for an adequate replacement.

"We've started the process of looking for a new coach although it's pretty much in its infancy stages," Mr Nicholson said.

"The preferred outcome is to attract someone fresh from outside the club or area. Those sort of people are hard to come by but we'll certainly be looking at every option and try to find the best person for the job."

Solyom announced plans to step down from the position at a meeting with committee members before training last week.

"It's basically to do with personal commitments. But he loves the club and we hope he will stay on in some capacity," Mr Nicholson said.

Solyom, a strong believer in developing physical and psychological strength in his teams, has mixed controversy with sheer football talent since joining the Warriors three years ago.

He led the Warriors into a grand final against Horsham in his first year as coach but lost the job the following year to Simon Farrer.

He accepted the position again this year and had one of the best lists in the league before injury crippled the Warriors.

Elbow and hamstring injuries prevented him from making an impact as a player for much of the season and he coached from the sidelines in Stawell's elimination final against Horsham Saints on Sunday.

He was unavailable for comment yesterday.

Mr Nicholson said he had never experienced such a frustrating season with injuries.

"It was a season that could have been," he said.

"But on the whole, it was a successful year for the club and we still have seven teams in finals which is a great achievement. We have great numbers across all grades and great support around the club."