Incoming Development and Player Leadership Coach Jarryn Geary says a key part of his role will be harnessing the playing group’s talent and potential in 2024.

Geary played 207 games for St Kilda before retiring in 2022, and after a year away from footy said he is ready for a fresh start at club-land.  

“I’m very excited to get back into footy,” he said.

“I had a year away and learned a lot of stuff in the corporate space, but I’m really excited to get back into a familiar environment – albeit at a different club. I’m excited to be part of the Dogs family.

“I think coming to a fresh place and a new environment with the experience (in coaching) that Bevo has got – as a premiership coach and been doing it for so long – along with the other guys here, seems like a great group of people.

“Chris Grant is a great person and great footy person too – so to be surrounded by great people gives me the opportunity to learn off them as well.

“Being such a young coach and so new to this environment, having those guys to learn off along with a talented group of players, is something that really excites me.”

Geary said he will utilise some of his own experiences as a player to help relate to the squad and fast-track their individual development.

“I was (at St Kilda) for 16 years which is a long time, so I learnt a lot and had my own challenges with injury, and learnt a lot about resilience,” he said.

“The great thing about here is that they have a great list with plenty of talent, so I think for me and part of my job will be trying to get the best out of the players and make sure they get the opportunity to perform at a high level each week.

“What I’ll look to do is help them try and find their potential.”

The AFL playing group will commence 2024 pre-season training later this month.