Kotzur informed the players after training last Friday night and admitted the decision not to coach next year was a difficult one.

“It certainly was,” Kotzur said.

“It’s something that I’ve been thinking about for a while I suppose and it wasn’t a decision that I made easily.

“I think three years is probably enough for one person, in my opinion, unless things are going unbelievably.

“Hopefully it can be a bit of extra motivation to finish the season off strong.

“Everyone’s got behind what we’re trying to do and hopefully we can keep moving forward.”

Kotzur, 29, is undecided on his playing future and is sure to be chased by rival clubs across the district.

The silky-skilled midfielder-forward is keen to stick with the Lions in a playing capacity next year but will not make a decision until after the season.

“I’ll work that out at the end of the year,” he said.

“I’ve got bigger things to worry about for now.”

After early exits from finals in his first two years at GGGM, Kotzur is determined to go all the way with the Lions this season.

GGGM sits in sixth position on the Riverina League ladder, one game outside the five, but only two games from top spot, such is the evenness of this year’s competition.

The Lions have won four of their last five and finish the year with games against Griffith, Wagga Tigers and Collingullie-Glenfield Park, before the final round bye.

GGGM travel to Griffith on Sunday in a game that will put a line through the loser for this year.

“Every game is huge for us,” Kotzur said.

“They’ll come out breathing fire, just the same as we did last weekend.

“We’re both in the firing line fighting for the same spots.”

James Lawton is set to play, despite an ankle injury, while Sam Hatty and Jesse Lander are likely to come in.