The Western Bulldogs have finalised their coaching structure for the 2017 season.

Chris Maple has been promoted to Coaching Performance Manager and will support the development of the Club’s assistant coaches while providing direct assistance to Senior Coach Luke Beveridge.

Maple, who has filled multiple positions at the Club since 2008 including Head of Development and Senior VFL Coach (Premiership 2014) will also oversee performance analysis and player welfare in the newly created role. 

2016 Senior VFL Premiership Coach Ashley Hansen will occupy the role of Assistant Coach – Forwards,  while Daniel Giansiracusa will now lead the Stoppages and Set Plays portfolio.

Former Collingwood Assistant Coach Steve Grace has been recruited as Hansen’s replacement in the role of Senior VFL Coach.

Grace filled a number of development coaching positions at Fremantle Football Club from 2011 to 2013 before moving to Collingwood in 2014 as Defence Development Coach, and then Assistant Coach – Forwards in 2015 and 2016.

Steven King moves across to Assistant Coach – Backs, and Joel Corey will focus more broadly on the midfield line as Assistant Coach – Midfield.  

Rohan Smith is now responsible for the Club’s AFL Development program, with both Jordan Russell (AFL Development Coach) and Jamie Maddocks (Opposition and Development Coach) continuing in their coaching roles.

GM Football, Graham Lowe said, “we’d like to welcome Steve Grace to our Club, and are thrilled to secure someone of his experience and skills to the critical role of VFL Senior Coach.”

“The new coaching structure reflects the excellent rate of development of the group under Luke Beveridge, while providing an elite learning environment for all Western Bulldogs and Footscray players.”

“We’re confident this structure will deliver great development and growth opportunities to our coaches, while continuing to provide an environment where all our players can reach their potential.”

“We value all areas of coaching equally, and look forward to the ongoing, outstanding and even contribution from this talented group of coaches.”

“Stability is a key component of a high performing department, and to have our coaches commit to long term contracts is an excellent result for our Club.”

2017 Western Bulldogs Coaching Structure