Parrots' coach 'cooked' after five big years at Leongatha

THREE-time Leongatha premiership coach, Trent McMicking, has stunned players, officials and fans at the Parrots’ presentation night last Saturday night by announcing his retirement.

Citing family and work commitments as the reasons for his decision, he addressed the whole club when he said he felt “cooked after five good years” at Leongatha.

In terms of on-field success, good is an understatement, with McMicking's side reaching the grand final in every season under his watch.

The Parrots won the 2022 premiership unbeaten for the year, backed up with the 2023 flag, were runners-up in 2024, bouncing back in 2025 and beaten narrowly by a rampant Moe in a classy 2026 decider.

While the loss of this year's grand final is still raw, McMicking was delighted with the high standard of the 2026 final series and the way his side twice pushed a heavily favoured Moe team.

"I've probably never been more proud of the players, the way they challenged a side full of AFL, VFL and Coates League players, and to match it and almost knock them over twice."

Beating arch-rival Wonthaggi in the 2023 decider despite having to play four finals was another highlight, as was being unbeaten premier in 2022 in such a high standard competition, and having got the better of a talented Sale outfit that year was also special.

Emphatic redemption against Traralgon a year after the Maroons upset the Parrots in 2024 with a stunning grand final display in 2025 was another proud moment.

However, it's not all about the on-field success, and he takes away many fond memories of the people, the friendly environment around the club and their ability to have fun, with McMicking describing Leongatha as "a pretty amazing footy club".

He explained the goal to create a fun but successful environment is a balancing act.

"You need to push people to their limit to get the best out of them, but for some that's too hard, which is totally fine, but you've got to also try to remember you are at local level," he said.

McMicking conceded he was probably a little too ruthless in his first season in charge, softening his approach slightly as he built stronger relationships with the players.

Asked about the challenges of juggling family life, work and senior footy coaching, McMicking said coaching alone is a non-stop responsibility.

While based in Inverloch, his long-term business Surrey Mowing and Gardening takes him to Melbourne three days-a-week, and he said it's time to focus on his two kids, aged 6 and 10, and family life.

McMicking loved his time in charge at the Parrots, declaring he has massive admiration for the playing group, and praising how the club is run by President Mal Mackie and others, and the positive environment it provides.

However, on top of his own demanding schedule, he feels it is time for the players to hear a new voice, conceding it's always a challenge coming up with fresh ideas and keeping everyone stimulated.

That task has been made easier by the impressive nature of the playing list and leadership group, both of which McMicking labelled as "unbelievable".

While he's maintained a similar approach throughout his time at the club, given its success, McMicking made tweaks where needed, such as altering the defensive structure.

Although no coach would complain about the rich talent at Leongatha, that presents its own challenges, with so many players in consideration for senior selection each week.

A philosophy of continued improvement has been a driving force, with that applying equally to him, his support coaches and the players.

"Hopefully, the Parrots have been happy with the amount of work I've put in and the success we've had," McMicking said.

He is keen to watch his son represent Inverloch in the Under 12s and get to some AFL games to watch his Demons, as well as supporting the Parrots.

Speaking about Trent’s decision to resign, club president Mal Mackie said Leongatha was fully supportive of his decision.

“We’re disappointed, of course, but we’ve had five wonderful years under Trent and we’ll be forever grateful for that,” said Mackie said.

“But we understand family comes first and we certainly support his decision.

“We’ve just got to get on with it now,” he said.

Whoever the Parrots find to take on the top job, he or she will certainly have big shoes to fill after a stellar five years under Trent McMicking.

And they won’t want to dilly-dally with neighbouring clubs already circling the Parrots’ deep list and picking off one or two recruits for 2027.