Western Bulldogs President, David Smorgon OAM said today that the extension of Rodney’s contract is a reflection that the Club has great confidence in his ability and is a demonstration of our commitment to him for a further two years, the first time this Club has made such a long term commitment to a Coach.
“Rodney has been coaching this Club for five years, by the end of 2011; he will have coached the Red, White & Blue for seven years, potentially longer, making this the longest term Coaching appointment he has held in his distinguished 12-year coaching career.
“Rodney recently presented us with his ‘Pyramid for Success’, and we believe we have a great structure in place to compliment his skills to help the Club on its Mission to deliver long-term sustainability and on-field success for the Club,” Smorgon said.
Eade has agreed to a two year extension, marking the second time he has had his contract extended since being appointed as coach in 2005, a move which sparked a revival at the club.
Eade signed on to replace Peter Rohde at the end of 2004 with the challenge of turning around an under-performing club with consecutive bottom three finishes in 2003 and 2004.
By the end of his first year, the Club was known as the most exciting side in the AFL, with a free-flowing unit that used attack as the best form of defence.
“Eade has an outstanding record; he is highly respected in the football community, he works well with our coaching staff and has an excellent relationship with the players. He has enormous respect of the playing group,” Smorgon said.
Eade said he was extremely pleased to sign this extension.
“It is an exciting time for the Club. We have an enthusiastic and developing group of players and we are very confident that the Club is moving in the right direction. Our goal remains long term success for the Club both on and off the field and I’m very pleased to be a part of this Club’s future,” he said.
