The Horsham District football league's 2019 leading goalkicker will ply his craft outside of the Wimmera next season.
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Outgoing Natimuk United star Jaydon Stiles has signed on to coach Macorna in the Golden Rivers Football League in 2020.
Stiles booted 75 goals across 18 games in the Horsham District league last season, helping a Natimuk-based side win its first senior football final since 1997.
Stiles said it was a "very, very, very difficult decision" to take on the new role.
"I had a few sleepless nights over it," Stiles said.
"Natimuk was like a home to me and it meant a lot to me to play for them.
"I had family ties there with my grandfather who used to play there and my Mum being born there, so it was more than just football with me at Natimuk.
"But in the end, I just had to do what was best for me, and I just couldn't pass up the opportunity.
"I've always had an ambition to coach. The opportunity arose and I thought it was too good of an opportunity to knock back. That's why I'm making the move."
The announcement comes after Stiles told the Wimmera Mail-Times he had re-signed with Natimuk United at the 2019 Dellar Medal vote count in September.
Stiles, 25, said he could hardly believe the head coaching offer came his way.
"It's always sort of what I've played footy for ... I didn't think I'd be coaching a senior team straight away, so it was a great opportunity presented to me," Stiles said.
"I'm really looking forward to it. I'm pretty excited and a bit nervous too."
Newly appointed Natimuk United president Greg Radford said while it was a shame to see the club's full forward depart, he understood Stiles' decision.
"We're obviously disappointed to lose him," Mr Radford said.
"But Jaydon has an opportunity to coach and he's decided to go that way.
"That's what happens in footy sometimes."
Mr Radford said there were signings and possible coaching announcements to come across the coming weeks.
"We're really pleased with the way things are going," Mr Radford said.
"Nothing is sure yet, but certainly we've got commitment from almost all of the 2019 playing group and there is more good news to come."
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