A philosophical Andy Friend has reflected on his time as Australian Men's Sevens coach, with the curtains now drawn on his time in charge.
Friend's side finished fifth at the Commonwealth Games having comprehensively won both their matches on Sunday, sending him out in style.
It was a fitting end to a two and a half year stint in charge, in which he has overhauled the squad and created a culture which drove the team to their first World Series title in six years.
"I continue to be really grateful for the opportunity I've had over the past two years," Friend said.
"But probably more importantly, I'm just proud of that group of players.
"We've had massive changes over those two and a half years.
"For this young group here and our staff - they work tirelessly, they're good people, which I think is really important - and you see their energy and their passion on the field with the way they play.
"It is special."
Friend has always taken a holistic approach to his coaching and that was clear in his final press conference in charge, too.
"For me, coaching is more than just coaching a bloke to play footy," Friend said.
"It's the other stuff which is probably just as, if not more important.
"I've got two boys of my own and one of the proudest things you can do is to create better humans.
"I believe we have done that with my two boys - my wife and I - so to have extended family there is pretty special."
Friend will now spend some time with his family back in Canberra before reassessing where his coaching journey will take him next.
"I'm keen to still coach," he said.
"I was unsure - I probably thought a stint through to the Olympics might pull me up - but then you never know.
"I was told once when I was sacked that you're just a jockey and you get on another horse.
"I'll try get on another horse somewhere.
"If it's in XVs it's in XVs and if it's in Sevens it's in Sevens but I'll be back coaching somewhere."
