Coaches locked in for 2020

[bornadog]

link (https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/2019-10-01/coaches-locked-in-for-2020)

https://s.afl.com.au/staticfile/Samples/700264-tlslargelandscape.jpg

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

[bulldogtragic]

No one new coming into the coaching panel. I suppose not a surprise.

[The Doctor]

I like the moves of promoting Russell and bringing Rohan Smith back into defence.

Morris a no brainer really.

[Bulldog Joe]

I like the moves of promoting Russell and bringing Rohan Smith back into defence.

Morris a no brainer really.

Getting Rohan Smith back where he excelled in 2016 is a big positive for me.

[soupman]

Dissapointed that yet again we are passing on an opportunity to change things up. Literally no fresh blood, no outside experience and nobody to offer alternative ideas. Looks like we have these guys till they decide to retire.

[Hotdog60]

We'll they have another season to get us moving. I think a pass mark for the assistant coaches will be finals and maybe more than one game in the finals.

[azabob]

How underwhelming.

[GVGjr]

I like the moves of promoting Russell and bringing Rohan Smith back into defence.

Morris a no brainer really.

Same here, it's changed sufficiently enough and in fact I think the department has been beefed up

I would have liked someone coming in from another club because it would be a chance to hear some fresh ideas but I'm actually very positive about the changes detailed today

[bornadog]

These were the coaches going into 2016

BRETT MONTGOMERY - SNR ASSISTANT
ROHAN SMITH - BACKS
DANIEL GIANSIRACUSA - FORWARDS
STEVEN KING - MIDFIELD
JOEL COREY - STOPPAGES
CRAIG JENNINGS - OPPOSITION ANALYST
Chris Maple - Head of Development
Ashley Hansen - VFL
Stewart Edge - Development Coach

I think there has been a bit of movement since then

[GVGjr]

These were the coaches going into 2016

BRETT MONTGOMERY - SNR ASSISTANT
ROHAN SMITH - BACKS
DANIEL GIANSIRACUSA - FORWARDS
STEVEN KING - MIDFIELD
JOEL COREY - STOPPAGES
CRAIG JENNINGS - OPPOSITION ANALYST
Chris Maple - Head of Development
Ashley Hansen - VFL
Stewart Edge - Development Coach

I think there has been a bit of movement since then

Graham Lowe as GM of Football as well

[GVGjr]

How underwhelming.

There was some speculation a few weeks back that there would be 2 changes to the coaching so it was never going to be wholesale changes

Getting Smith back is a positive as he built a strong rapport with the defensive players before he moved into other roles
I would have preferred at least one other change but lets now see how the team performs

[bornadog]

Graham Lowe as GM of Football as well

The list is just the coaches

[azabob]

There was some speculation a few weeks back that there would be 2 changes to the coaching so it was never going to be wholesale changes

Getting Smith back is a positive as he built a strong rapport with the defensive players before he moved into other roles
I would have preferred at least one other change but lets now see how the team performs


I also was hoping for an addition that was outside of the club.
I wonder if the strong end to the home and away season put a stop to bringing in an assistant from outside the club?
The other unknown is we may have targeted someone and it fell through, they may have got a senior job.

[GVGjr]

I also was hoping for an addition that was outside of the club.
I wonder if the strong end to the home and away season put a stop to bringing in an assistant from outside the club?
The other unknown is we may have targeted someone and it fell through, they may have got a senior job.

You have probably hit the nail on the head but I would imagine that when Bevo signed the extension he already had strong ideas of the coaches he wanted around him. If no one poaches our coaches they might all get long service with us :)

[bornadog]

You have probably hit the nail on the head but I would imagine that when Bevo signed the extension he already had strong ideas of the coaches he wanted around him. If no one poaches our coaches they might all get long service with us :)

Since the premiership we have had 4 changes out of 9. The other 5 have moved around including stints as VFL coach.

[azabob]

Just on Graham Lowe, Beveridge is on record how much he helped him during 2015/16. Hopefully Bevo and Mae continue to develop the same chemistry.

[GVGjr]

Since the premiership we have had 4 changes out of 9. The other 5 have moved around including stints as VFL coach.

Monty went before we won the flag and I think Jennings work with the coaches and not directly with the players

Essentially the players have been listening to the same voices for many years (Smith, Gia, King, Hansen and Corey) albeit with some shuffling of the roles the coaches perform. I'd probably lean to the notion that this isn't ideal and that the occasional new direction could prove invigorating for some of the players

[bornadog]

Monty went before we won the flag and I think Jennings work with the coaches and not directly with the players

Essentially the players have been listening to the same voices for many years (Smith, Gia, King, Hansen and Corey) albeit with some shuffling of the roles the coaches perform. I'd probably lean to the notion that this isn't ideal and that the occasional new direction could prove invigorating for some of the players

A couple more changes would have been good.

[Remi Moses]

Would love one outside voice in , but let’s see how it evolves

[Bumper Bulldogs]

I’m OK with these. I like Morris in and Smith back to the role he knows. Without any newbies coming in I think it’s the best fit for ours and their needs.

[GVGjr]

A couple more changes would have been good.

I think one of the real successes of the club over the last 6 years or so is way we have brought in various experts into our board members especially when we have needed to add some skills and expertise in certain area's.
Why we have felt the need to maintain a very settled coaching group especially when we haven't quite been performing as I think we should have been is more than a little perplexing.
Getting someone in to challenge the status quo in a positive manner could be just what we needed
Lets hope or patience is rewarded in a big way

[Bulldog4life]

It would be interesting to know the length of each assistant's contract.

[angelopetraglia]

Dale Morris - fantastic.

Why do we believe we don't need any new IP from any other clubs? Disappointing that we not been more ambitious in securing some new assistant coach talent.

[MrMahatma]

Dale Morris - fantastic.

Why do we believe we don't need any new IP from any other clubs? Disappointing that we not been more ambitious in securing some new assistant coach talent.

And our coaches aren’t getting poached?!

Who of our assistants would be putting their hand up for a top gig in the coming years? King?

[bornadog]

And our coaches aren’t getting poached?!

Who of our assistants would be putting their hand up for a top gig in the coming years? King?

Gia is pretty good

[Rocket Science]

We've got quite the little coaching cult going there, Moz makes a logical addition.

[strebla]

If any have an ambition for a top job surely they would want to ply their trade elsewhere.

[bulldogtragic]

If any have an ambition for a top job surely they would want to ply their trade elsewhere.

That’s what Rocket told Leon Cameron. Was good advice.

[strebla]

That’s what Rocket told Leon Cameron. Was good advice.

Just makes sense to me I want to sell my wares I want them displayed to as many clubs as possible.

[dog town]

Couldn’t be less worried about getting people in from outside. I would say the group we have is more than innovative enough and Bevo is clearly working to a plan. I like that we don’t just follow the leader and stick to our plans.

In my experience coaches from outside are not always a good thing especially when you have a unique style which we do. Happy to take someone new in but I’m not losing sleep over it.

[GVGjr]

Couldn’t be less worried about getting people in from outside. I would say the group we have is more than innovative enough and Bevo is clearly working to a plan. I like that we don’t just follow the leader and stick to our plans.

In my experience coaches from outside are not always a good thing especially when you have a unique style which we do. Happy to take someone new in but I’m not losing sleep over it.

The problem is that over the last 3 years I don't believe we have got the best out of the playing group so we are backing the same coaches that haven't been as successful as we would have all hoped for

The stability we have displayed has typically been a trademark of teams performing at a higher level.

If we can improve a bit on our 2019 season then it's obviously worked out well for us, if we slip back then there will be a need to review this approach.

I remain positive about the changes we have made but in 12 months we will have a better idea if it's actually worked
We need to see steady improvement across many of the players in 2020

[WBFC4FFC]

That’s what Rocket told Leon Cameron. Was good advice.

It's what Clarkson espouses too. Obviously Bevo has different view to his former Mentor.

[dog town]

The problem is that over the last 3 years I don't believe we have got the best out of the playing group so we are backing the same coaches that haven't been as successful as we would have all hoped for

The stability we have displayed has typically been a trademark of teams performing at a higher level.

If we can improve a bit on our 2019 season then it's obviously worked out well for us, if we slip back then there will be a need to review this approach.

I remain positive about the changes we have made but in 12 months we will have a better idea if it's actually worked
We need to see steady improvement across many of the players in 2020 On ability and experience 7th is a good result. I want more but I don’t think we can mount a case for under achieving.

I’m not against new blood I just don’t think there is much evidence to support the amount of angst it causes our supporters. Opposition coaches throughout the finals made mention of our unique style of play so I don’t think we are bereft of ideas.

[GVGjr]

On ability and experience 7th is a good result. I want more but I don’t think we can mount a case for under achieving.

I’m not against new blood I just don’t think there is much evidence to support the amount of angst it causes our supporters. Opposition coaches throughout the finals made mention of our unique style of play so I don’t think we are bereft of ideas.

On ability we should have finished around 9th to 7th so that really isn't the issue. We also had a very good draw
Where I don't think we are performing that well is the development of some of the players. Lynch for example had some promising performances in 2018 but couldn't crack it for a game in 2019. Lewis Young laboured throughout the year in a variety of roles before getting a couple of games later in the season.

[azabob]

Player development is probably one of, if not the most important factor in a clubs on field success. I find it odd that the player development coaches are often fresh out of the game and only learning the coaching caper themselves. Wouldn’t a more experienced coach be better at this role?

[bornadog]

Chris Grant on SEN has said three of 9 assistants have been let go at this stage. Not sure who they are.

[GVGjr]

Chris Grant on SEN has said three of 9 assistants have been let go at this stage. Not sure who they are.

Bevo mentioned yesterday it's been the most difficult time for him at the club.

Letting go of coaches (and players) isn't an easy task for him

I know this sounds harsh but it's not meant to be but he can still restructure the remaining coaches and run it efficiently

I would imagine Jordan Russell might be an unlucky one and Giansiracusa has no VFL side. Perhaps Dale Morris as well
Or could a hard call be made on one of Hansen, Smith or Corey?

All of our guys are quality coaches and footy people

[Axe Man]

My guess would be Gia, Morris and either Jordan Russell or Jamie Maddocks (development manager).

[GVGjr]

My guess would be Gia, Morris and either Jordan Russell or Jamie Maddocks (development manager).

Going to be hard on those guys isn't it?

Gia and Maddocks have done a power of work with our younger guys and Morris and Russell are well respected.

Not easy to lose any of them

[Mofra]

Bevo mentioned yesterday it's been the most difficult time for him at the club.
It absolutely would be - we tend not to have a high turnover of assistants so that team would have worked together for years, and planned to work together for the whole of this year too.

[bornadog]

It absolutely would be - we tend not to have a high turnover of assistants so that team would have worked together for years, and planned to work together for the whole of this year too.

Chris said, if you multiply this by each team, there are alot of assistants out of a job.

Also mentioned, the restriction of 25 in football dept, doesn't include recruiting.

[GVGjr]

It absolutely would be - we tend not to have a high turnover of assistants so that team would have worked together for years, and planned to work together for the whole of this year too.

No one can question his loyalty towards players and coaches. He would be doing it tough

[Prince Imperial]

Corey, Russell and Morris are the three stood down coaches. Corey is the stoppages and set play coach and I suspect he is paying the price for how poor these facets have been in our last two matches.

[Dry Rot]

Chris said, if you multiply this by each team, there are alot of assistants out of a job.

Also mentioned, the restriction of 25 in football dept, doesn't include recruiting.

Sad news. Given the bold bit, I wonder many other footy support staff (non coaching) got the bullet?

And like other industries, there is speculation that things (including stuffing levels) will never be the same.

[bornadog]

Corey, Russell and Morris are the three stood down coaches. Corey is the stoppages and set play coach and I suspect he is paying the price for how poor these facets have been in our last two matches.

Gee unlucky for Moz, but I guess he is the least experienced

[Dry Rot]

As a mater of interest, what are the salary ranges for AFL coaches, assistant coaches and support staff?

[Hotdog60]

The big clubs will find a work around. Their extra coaches will be employed by their sponsors and work at the club as unpaid interns.

[Mofra]

The big clubs will find a work around. Their extra coaches will be employed by their sponsors and work at the club as unpaid interns.
I wonder if Chris Judd's mum, is still working for Visy

[GVGjr]

The big clubs will find a work around. Their extra coaches will be employed by their sponsors and work at the club as unpaid interns.

I don't think it's as easy as that. Isn't more about how many people 'can' be at the club and the training facility?

[AndrewP6]

Corey, Russell and Morris are the three stood down coaches. Corey is the stoppages and set play coach and I suspect he is paying the price for how poor these facets have been in our last two matches.

Seriously? I think this whole pandemic thing and the associated budget cuts are more to do with it.

[bornadog]

As a mater of interest, what are the salary ranges for AFL coaches, assistant coaches and support staff?

Not sure but I remember when we lost an assistant under Rocket, he said we couldn't match the offer and he was going for $120k, but that was 10 years ago

[Remi Moses]

Disappointing, but the times we’re in

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

This was an ideal opportunity to refresh our Assistant coaching group by including one of our greats and highly regarded in Dale Morris
After 4 indifferent years we continue to lack looking to improve our off field football management.

[Ozza]

I think the cuts had more to do with how many you are allowed to have on game day (6 now I think) and who was most crucial to keep. As I understand it, none of the 3 that were let go are line coaches, so it is likely that the decision is down to that.

Hopefully once clubs slowly return to normal, some of these coaches will be given opportunities to come back into the fold. Pretty hard to move on line coaches and replace them with a new development coach like Moz after the line coaches have implemented their plans for the season throughout the pre-season.

[GVGjr]

I think the cuts had more to do with how many you are allowed to have on game day (6 now I think) and who was most crucial to keep. As I understand it, none of the 3 that were let go are line coaches, so it is likely that the decision is down to that.

Hopefully once clubs slowly return to normal, some of these coaches will be given opportunities to come back into the fold. Pretty hard to move on line coaches and replace them with a new development coach like Moz after the line coaches have implemented their plans for the season throughout the pre-season.

Ozza, we appear to have preferred Gia over Corey so there must be something to that

[Mofra]

Ozza, we appear to have preferred Gia over Corey so there must be something to that
Isn't Gia our VFL coach? I'd imagine a VFL coach is more important than a line coach if you had to lose someone mid-season.

[GVGjr]

Isn't Gia our VFL coach? I'd imagine a VFL coach is more important than a line coach if you had to lose someone mid-season.

Other clubs don't appear to have followed that though

I think it's a sign simply of where we rank our coaches

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Corey's exclusion is interesting.

He's been at the club a long while now - 5+ years? Stiff to get the chop before Gia.

[Ozza]

Other clubs don't appear to have followed that though

I think it's a sign simply of where we rank our coaches

Perhaps its a sign that we think the VFL team is pretty important and if/when the VFL starts up we'd like to have a coach.

The reality is, these are very tough decisions, and everything I am hearing (including from someone close to me who's been stood down by the club) is that Ameet and Granty have been outstanding throughout a difficult period and that none of the decisions on personnel have been taken lightly or without careful strategic thinking.

[GVGjr]

Perhaps its a sign that we think the VFL team is pretty important and if/when the VFL starts up we'd like to have a coach.

The reality is, these are very tough decisions, and everything I am hearing (including from someone close to me who's been stood down by the club) is that Ameet and Granty have been outstanding throughout a difficult period and that none of the decisions on personnel have been taken lightly or without careful strategic thinking.

I'm 100% sure we have gone through a process in a very compassionate manner. I think we rate Gia as a coach which is why we brought him back into the reduced senior structure

[Axe Man]

I imagine versatility would be an important factor deciding which coaches were kept on. Fewer personnel now need to cover off the various areas of responsibility (Sam Power doing temperature checks for instance). Corey being cut certainly surprises me but perhaps Gia just fitted better in the overall mix of roles and responsibilities required.

[comrade]

Wouldn't be surprised if Gia is just highly rated internally and felt he provides more.

[GVGjr]

Wouldn't be surprised if Gia is just highly rated internally and felt he provides more.

That's my reading. Possibly rated number 3

[Scraggers]

That's my reading. Possibly rated number 3

Whilst I agree with you, why make him the VFL coach if he is rated that highly? Wouldn't you prefer to have your best people around you come match day?

[GVGjr]

Whilst I agree with you, why make him the VFL coach if he is rated that highly? Wouldn't you prefer to have your best people around you come match day?

My guess is it's very much part of his overall development. I believe Gia and his senior coach ambitions believed with King entrenched as the senior assistant, coaching his own team was a good step forward.

[bornadog]

I meant to say the other day, Daniel Cross was let go at Melbourne. He was the fitness advisor.

[GVGjr]

I meant to say the other day, Daniel Cross was let go at Melbourne. He was the fitness advisor.

I don't see a way given the current crisis but wouldn't Cross be a great addition back at the club

[Twodogs]

I don't see a way given the current crisis but wouldn't Cross be a great addition back at the club

I was just thinking that.

[Twodogs]

962

Like this.

[jeemak]

I wonder if Gia was let go by another club whether we'd be saying "gee wouldn't he be great at our club" without even thinking about it?

Not sure how many fitness and conditioning personnel and or advisors Melbourne have, but if Cross isn't good enough to be the first one or few selected for them why would we want him? How did Melbourne's 2019 season clearly scream the virtues of their fitness personnel?

Now I get things aren't simple, though the immediate reactions to the respective situations of these two football professionals kind of reminds me of their playing days. In the eyes of many fans one guy had to do so much to be recongnised for the value he brought to the table, while the other was viewed much less critically.

Pretty sure you can guess who is who.

[Bulldog Revolution]

I don't see a way given the current crisis but wouldn't Cross be a great addition back at the club

Whats Matty Boyds status at Collingwood?

[comrade]

Whats Matty Boyds status at Collingwood?

Good call. I'd love to see Boydy's hard edge back at the club.

[Axe Man]

Whats Matty Boyds status at Collingwood?

It's been reported that Garry Hocking and Brad Gotch were stood down from the Pies, haven't heard any mention of Boyd so assume he's still there.

[Bulldog Revolution]

Good call. I'd love to see Boydy's hard edge back at the club.

He and Cross were fierce, committed bulldogs - loved the way both of them maximised what they had and turned themselves into bloody good footballers

We've probably tolerated too much garbage after the premiership and we could use a harder approach

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Good call. I'd love to see Boydy's hard edge back at the club.

It would be great to have MBoyd Cross and Morris all back at the Club to provide the hard edge that Bevo refers to as a vital need.

[GVGjr]

It would be great to have MBoyd Cross and Morris all back at the Club to provide the hard edge that Bevo refers to as a vital need.

Boyd and Cross have been away from the club long enough, time for them to return. Sensational role models and they both set exceptionally high standards for others to follow. Morris would have been great to have in that development role

Sadly, it might be a while before we could potentially look at something like this

[azabob]

Buckle in boys and girls it is that time of year again where the coaching merry go around begins. Luckily this isn't an emotive topic...

Fox sports are reporting that Dean Solomon at the Suns (and a number of others) are being let go.

Solomon was interviewed for the Freo job last year and has completed the level four coaching course.


https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2020-afl-job-cuts-staff-losses-dean-solomon-covid19-coronavirus-updates-afl-house-gillon-mclachlan/news-story/158e08671142c31506169dd3f34b253a