The Western Bulldogs are delighted to confirm that former St Kilda captain Jarryn Geary will join the Club’s coaching ranks as the Development and Player Leadership Coach in season 2024.
The 35-year-old will assume a new role in the football department, coaching in a development capacity across both VFL and AFL, while also working with the Club’s leadership group off field.
Geary’s responsibilities will also see him providing leadership services in support of the Club’s wider commercial business internally and externally.
Geary played 207 games for St Kilda after making his debut in 2008, assuming the captaincy from Nick Riewoldt in 2017.
Of his nine seasons in the leadership group, Geary had two top three finishes in the Trevor Barker Award and was twice voted Best Clubman in that time.
Retiring in 2022, Geary finished his career as a Life Member of the St Kilda Football Club and he is one of only 31 players to play 200 games in a Saints jumper.
Since finishing his decorated football career, the former Bendigo Pioneer has been working as the Leadership and Performance Manager at SANO Health, where he developed and implemented leadership programs for corporate and individual clients.
Bulldogs’ Executive Director of Football, Chris Grant, was thrilled to bring someone of Jarryn’s character into the overall football program.
“Jarryn is a person of immense character, with 15 years of playing experience at the top level. His attributes in leadership and professionalism will be a great addition to our AFL program and wider Club,” Grant said.
“As a recently retired player his knowledge of the game will be a great asset to our coaching and player groups, whilst also providing Jarryn with learning and development from our highly experienced coaching set-up under Luke Beveridge.
“Our leaders will benefit from having someone of Jarryn’s leadership experience and we look forward to officially welcoming Jarryn and his partner Emma and young family to our football club early next month.”
Geary said he was excited to step into a full-time role at the Western Bulldogs.
“It was a really exciting opportunity presented by the Bulldogs and I’m extremely grateful to begin my coaching journey under Luke Beveridge and the team,” Geary said.
“I’ve always respected the Bulldogs from afar during my playing days, and hopefully I can bring some of my experiences from St Kilda to help benefit the program.”
Geary will commence with the Club in mid-November as the pre-season begins. He becomes the third recent coaching appointment in football program alongside Matt Egan and Daniel Pratt.
