MEMO to all coaches: you're never prepared for that last day until it arrives.

Peter Rohde and I had met with Mark Haysman and the board during the mid-season break, where we talked about how the season was progressing and what our plans were for the remainder of it.

We thought it was well received, but things moved quickly on Thursday, July 8.

The night before what would be my final press conference, I had my usual catch-up with president Brett Duncanson.

You don't walk into the president's lounge room anticipating the end of your coaching tenure at a club, but we were both unsatisfied with how things were going.

There were damaging back-page stories being written about the club, with some asking for my head, and we'd lost a club record seven straight games.

Brett and I talked about what was best for the club and it became very evident to both of us that it should move on without me.

After reaching this decision we discussed the best time to make the announcement.

I thought one thing and Brett thought another, but in the end we agreed that I would tell the players, the staff and the media on Friday, so we could get on with the game against Collingwood.

On reflection the day went pretty smoothly.

You could see the tears that I shed on the day were genuine. The emotion of leaving a place you love filled with people you love was very difficult to handle.

The hardest part was addressing the other coaches and the players. It was almost too hard.

Then I walked into the press conference and saw all the people gathered around - all my staff, my players and my family. It was a relief when it was over.

That night I thought the players battled on manfully against what is now the top side in the competition. At three-quarter time we were still in the game, so it was a pretty good response from the players and one that I'll remember.

After the game, I spent some time talking with the players about my expectations for them. I wished them all the best and told them that anytime I could help them I certainly would.

I've experienced a lot of different emotions since that day.

The first was one of emptiness, like 'what am I supposed to do now?'

I've been overwhelmed by the number of people who have contacted me by phone, text, email and the odd letter.

People - and not just Port Adelaide people - have grabbed me in the street, wanting to have a chat and to acknowledge my role in footy in this state.

Getting a phone call from Premier Mike Rann was pretty special and we traded stories about always being in the public eye and on the front and back page of the newspaper.

I got a text from Andrew McLeod recognising my support of indigenous players over the journey and I was really honoured to receive that kind of accolade from such a great and respected player.

Another text that stood out was from a rookie I coached alongside Adam Kingsley at Essendon.

He thanked me for the skills I'd helped him with in life and ended the text: 'from Matthew Banks, three games Essendon Football Club and five footy trips'.

It made me laugh and really lifted that feeling where the weight of the world is on your shoulders.

Denis Pagan spent a lot of time talking to me about his transition out of coaching and Terry Wallace called to prepare me for some of the emotions I might go through.

Though Terry and Denis were my rivals for such a long time, they still wanted to help me through those tough times.

I just wanted to get away, so I took my three boys hiking in Wilpena Pound in the Flinders Ranges and we climbed St Mary's Peak.

One media report suggested that I caught up with Sheeds up there, but let me tell you - there's no way Sheeds would ever get up those hills unless he had a helicopter … actually I wouldn't put that past Sheeds.

I also watched the Port Adelaide game with my family. I've been involved with the club in the AFL since day one, so I've always watched the game away from Pauline and the kids. They weren't sure if I'd want to watch it, but I certainly did.

I caught up with the coaches and a few of the players after they got back from Darwin and it's amazing how much you can miss the atmosphere, the warmth and the camaraderie in just one week.

But I'm looking forward now to the next challenge and the excitement of where we might end up.

I've still got a real passion for coaching and teaching, but it will be up to other clubs to decide whether I fit into their structures.

In the meantime I've got two boys playing footy twice a week, so that's a priority for me. There's a bit of gardening to do too, so I'm sure I can fit that in.

Phil Smyth is a wonderful mate of mine and he and I are on a bit of a get-fit campaign. I've taken the lead a little and we're in boot camp at the moment, so we'll see how that goes.

I'd like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Brett Duncanson and the club for the opportunities they've given my family and me.

I'd especially like to thank all the wonderful playing, coaching, football, medical and general staff over the years, as we only achieved what we did because we worked as a team.

Remember all the good times and see you all at the 2004 premiership reunion.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.