He just lost an uncle he describes as a "stand-in father", his boy William is about to turn four, and he's taken on an ambassador role with the Tara Costigan Foundation.

The time is right for Costigan to stand down as Tuggeranong Hawks head coach at season's end, dust off the fishing rod at the in-laws' place in Bega and spend time with family.

Costigan says his time as a footballer is up after four years at the helm and he now has an eye on helping to "change the culture" surrounding domestic violence.

"I've got a little boy who is about to turn four. He'll start knocking around with the Tuggeranong Bulldogs next year in Auskick and probably play a bit of soccer as well," Costigan said.

"It's a catch 22 because he absolutely loves the football club, the Ghirardello clan are all of his favourite players, he'll miss that Dad's the coach, and going into the change rooms and the coaches box and all of those things that he's grown up with.

"He doesn't know any better with dad being the coach. It'll be fantastic to be able to spend time with him on the weekends. I'll still be around the club like a bad smell, I can't help myself down there.

"I'm not saying I won't ever go back, but for right now it's a special time to spend with him, with the family, and with the foundation, moving into the next stage of my life."

Costigan's departure means Tuggeranong's clash with Eastlake at Greenway Oval on Saturday is his third last game at the helm.

The Hawks have struggled to compete this season as the AFL Canberra first grade competition quickly emerged as a four horse race.

Tuggeranong have managed two wins and conceded 1575 points while the Gungahlin Jets remain winless with 2050 points scored against them after 14 rounds.

But the numbers don't tell the full story - the Hawks have had 14 local juniors make their debut this year, and 10 of them are still eligible to play under 18s.

Costigan maintains things are on the up, and if the Hawks can hold onto their promising crop of youngsters they might have a few future club legends on their hands.

"They bring this energy around the old boys. I kind of remember being that kid 20 years ago," Costigan said.

"They're good kids too, and I really do think they have the club at heart. I think there'll be a few there that end up playing a few hundred games for the footy club."

Meanwhile, Brisbane Lions player Claye Beams will meet the Canberra Demons with a point to prove in the NEAFL at Manuka Oval at 12pm on Saturday.

Beams will start on Brisbane's interchange bench as he looks to put his hand up for a contract extension with the AFL club.

The younger brother of Brisbane captain Dayne Beams has endured a horror injury run and managed just 51 senior games in six seasons on the Lions' list.

AFL CANBERRA ROUND 15

Saturday: Tuggeranong Hawks v Eastlake Demons at Greenway Oval, Gungahlin Jets v Queanbeyan Tigers at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval, Belconnen Magpies v Ainslie Tricolours at The Nest at Kippax. All games at 2pm.

NEAFL ROUND 18

Saturday: Canberra Demons v Brisbane Lions at Manuka Oval, 12pm.

CANBERRA

B: 23. Ben Fulford 29. Ben Halse 21. Matt Vardanega. HB: 36. Lucas Meline 13. Tom Faul 6. Kade Klemke. C: 5. Nick Collins 17. Jordan Harper 24. Alex Smout. HF: 12. Luke McKay 3. Andrew Swan 16. Mitch Hardie. F: 4. Aaron Bruce 11. Jacob Turner 1. Isaac Taylor. Foll: 42. Cameron Milne 8. Mitch Maguire 25. Sam Martyn. Inter: 33. Lachlan Harper 19. Max Richardson* 9. Nick Pleming 27. Lachlan Maples 37. Maxwell Beaumont. Emer: 22. Billy Muir 41. Daniel Cerni 45. Ben McGinness.

BRISBANE

B: 41. Matt Eagles 45. Jack Frost 42. Mitch Hinge. HB: 11. Cian Hanley 2. Ryan Harwood 22. Marco Paparone. C: 19. Josh Clayton 8. Rohan Bewick 47. Reuben William. HF: 40. Matthew Hammelmann 44. Archie Smith 24. Liam Dawson. F: 52. Jack Clayton 34. Jono Freeman 60. Connor Ballenden. Foll: 46. Oscar McInerney 26. Tom Cutler 48. Blake Grewar. Inter (from): 16. Jarrad Jansen 37. Jacob Allison 21. Sam Skinner 17. Claye Beams 20. Cedric Cox 18. Nick Robertson 39. Corey Lyons. Emer: 54. Luke O'Sullivan 50. Caleb Franks 57. Ben Sloan 53. Campbell Walker 55. Bailey Lambert.