The Western Bulldogs have confirmed their AFL coaching structure for the 2020 season.
One personnel change has been made to the coaching team, while there have been multiple role changes.
Recently-retired premiership defender Dale Morris will make an immediate transition to coaching, becoming a development coach after calling time on his 253-game AFL career in August.
Jordan Russell will transition from a development coach to an assistant coach, taking charge of the midfield, while senior assistant coach Steven King will relinquish his defensive role for a portfolio including opposition, training and strategy.
After three years as development manager, Rohan Smith returns to the defensive coaching role he held from 2013 to 2016. Jamie Maddocks will move into the position of development manager after three years as opposition and development coach.
General Manager of Football, Chris Maple, said the addition of Morris would complement an established coaching panel.
“Dale has had a profound impact at the Western Bulldogs over the past 15 years, and we’re delighted to have him join our coaching team,” Maple said.
“As a player, he was smart, competitive and selfless, with a drive to make those around him better – traits which will serve him well as a coach.
“It’s also pleasing to have Jordan and Jamie taking the next steps in their coaching pathways after making strong contributions as development coaches, moving into the roles of midfield coach and development manager respectively.
“Rohan returns to a familiar role as our back-line coach, which will allow Steven to have a more overarching influence as senior assistant coach.”
Assistant coach Steve Grace, who guided the Bulldogs’ midfield group in 2019 after two seasons at the helm of Footscray, will explore other opportunities in the AFL industry.
“Steve has played an important role for our Club over the past three years,” Maple said.
“He helped fast-track the growth of our emerging players in two years as Footscray coach, before guiding our AFL midfield group this year, which continued to show promising signs.
“We wish Steve well for the future as he continues his coaching journey.”
Joel Corey, Ash Hansen and Daniel Giansiracusa will remain in their current positions, while senior coach Luke Beveridge is contracted until the end of 2023 after signing a three-year extension in July.
Western Bulldogs 2020 coaching team
Luke Beveridge – Senior Coach
Steven King – Senior Assistant Coach (Opposition, Training and Strategy)
Rohan Smith – Assistant Coach (Defensive Systems and Backs)
Jordan Russell – Assistant Coach (Midfield)
Joel Corey – Assistant Coach (Stoppages and Set Plays)
Ash Hansen – Assistant Coach (Offensive Systems and Forwards)
Daniel Giansiracusa – VFL Head Coach
Jamie Maddocks – Development Manager
Dale Morris – Development Coach
