PORT Melbourne is back to square one in its hunt for a new VFLW coach after Mitch Skelly sensationally resigned on Saturday, just six days after being announced as the new mentor.

Skelly had been named to replace Lachie Harris, who landed an AFLW assistant coaching role at St Kilda after a terrific 10-5 debut VFLW season.

But the man who led Darebin in 2019-20 after successful stints with three women’s teams around the world cited personal reasons for his decision to step away at the end of his first week in charge.

Mitch Skelly addresses the Darebin VFLW team in round 14, 2021. Picture: AFL Photos

Port Melbourne CEO Paul Malcolm admitted he was blindsided by Skelly’s decision but said now was the best time for it to happen, despite losing a second coach since the end of the 2021 season.

"(We are) disappointed this has come shortly after announcing Mitch in the role, it is best it takes place now rather than a couple of months into the season (and) we are already reviewing prospective coaches for the role," he said.

"In the interim, (VFL coach) Adam Skrobalak, (VFLW assistant coaches) Yul Mustapha and Pat Di Natale are co-ordinating training so the women can take a further leap forward in what promises to be a great 2022 for the team."

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Before joining Darebin, Skelly coached the Heidelberg women’s team to the Northern League’s Division Two Grand Final after starting his career in charge of AFL London women’s team Wandsworth, leading the Demons to an undefeated premiership in 2018.

He also coached England’s international women’s team during his time in the Old Dart, taking the Vixens to the final of the 2018 Euro Cup in Ireland.

Twitter: @BRhodesVFL