Assistant Coaches

[Uninformed]

Gia has been picked up by Hawthorn as Head of Development

Good experience for when he comes home.

[Axe Man]

Nathan Buckley has joined Geelong as an assistant.

[GVGjr]

Nathan Buckley has joined Geelong as an assistant.

Replacing King.
It's probably a good move for him as he's in limbo.

[Aidan7557]

Nathan Buckley has joined Geelong as an assistant.

What the.... That is a big shock. Weird move. Wuuld surely be short term.

[Sedat]

Damn, I was just starting to like Bucks

[GVGjr]

What the.... That is a big shock. Weird move. Wuuld surely be short term.

He probably want to sharpen his skills and get a first hand idea what other coaches are doing.

[Axe Man]

He probably want to sharpen his skills and get a first hand idea what other coaches are doing.

Makes sense to get back into the game if he wants the Tassie job (or whatever other head coaching positions that might become available).

[GVGjr]

FORMER Western Bulldogs and Melbourne forward Mitch Hannan is the latest ex-player to return to clubland in welfare.

Hannan is returning to the Whitten Oval to support player welfare manager Brent Prismall in a new role.

The 31-year-old played 26 games for the Bulldogs, including the 2021 Grand Final, after playing 50 games for the Demons before being traded at the end of 2020.

Hannan was originally drafted out of Footscray at the age of 22 after an eye-catching 2016 season that resulted in a VFL premiership.

Now the Gisborne product is returning to the Western Bulldogs to help boost the welfare area of the football department.
Mitch Hannan in action during Footscray's clash with Collingwood in the 2016 VFL preliminary final. Picture: AFL Photos
Former Geelong and Essendon midfielder Prismall has been working in welfare at the kennel since 2013.

Every AFL club has at least one welfare manager and one Indigenous player development manager.

[GVGjr]

A couple of years back Sanders had moved in with Mitch and spoke highly of him.
Good to see the club beefing up the support crew around the coaches.

[Sedat]

He was about 38 minutes away from being a premiership hero, alongside Roarke Smith and Josh Schache

[Grantysghost]

He was about 38 minutes away from being a premiership hero, alongside Roarke Smith and Josh Schache

Too soon

[Go_Dogs]

He was about 38 minutes away from being a premiership hero, alongside Roarke Smith and Josh Schache

Always felt like he could’ve been a very solid AFL player but a combination of timing and injury and list composition cost him.

Sounds like he’s a good egg and great to add him to this important role.

[ledge]

He was about 38 minutes away from being a premiership hero, alongside Roarke Smith and Josh Schache

Roarke came from a place not to far from Mitch , Sunbury .

[Axe Man]

Bulldogs coaching update

VFL Head Coach Stewart Edge will depart the Club after five years at the helm.

The Western Bulldogs have farewelled Premiership VFL Head Coach Stewart Edge, who has made the decision to step aside from the role after securing a flag in 2025.

Having begun his coaching journey at Sandringham Dragons and GWS Giants during their inception years, Edge joined the Bulldogs’ AFL and VFL coaching teams in 2014, spending the next decade in a variety of roles across development and coaching.

Edge was a key member of the VFL coaching panel that secured the 2014 and 2016 VFL premierships, before taking over the head coach position in 2021.

Edge claimed the 2021 Coach of the Year award during an undefeated Covid-interrupted season before receiving the award again in 2025, leading his side to a famous VFL Premiership victory over Southport last month.

Bulldogs General Manager of Coaching & Performance Matt Egan praised the contribution of Edge and his impact across the Club.

“It’s such a special way to finish for Edgey, winning a premiership with an amazing bunch of players,” Egan said.

“His overall contribution across more than a decade has left a lasting impact on our programs and after spending long nights during the week helping our VFL team, I’m sure Edgey will enjoy more time with his family as he looks ahead to what’s next.

“We’re so thankful to him for his contribution to the Club and wish him the best moving forward.”

Edge couldn’t have been prouder of his time at the Kennel.

“I am very glad to have played my small part at the Bulldogs during such a significant era with Bevo at the helm,” Edge said.

“To be here for three VFL premierships and of course the 2016 AFL Premiership is something I will always value.

“Over this 12-year period, a huge number of players, coaches and staff have come through our doors and I am grateful to have made lasting friendships with so many of them. It has always been lots of fun.”

Alex Johnson will assume the reins of the VFL program after two seasons as a development coach, while Anthony Barry will move into AFL development after seven seasons in the VFL.

“With Edgey’s decision, it has opened the door to upskill our people and for AJ and Anthony these present great opportunities for their growth,” Egan added.

“As VFL coach, Alex will run his own program, build a team around him and take on more responsibility recruiting players, coaches and staff.

“Anthony’s strengths lie in being a great connector of people, having spent a large period of time honing his craft in the VFL program.

“He played in the 2016 VFL Premiership and will be a great addition in our development space.”

Last month, the Club welcomed Luke Power as Head of Development, with the former premiership player to begin his role in November.

Ex-Bulldog Mitch Hannan will also re-join the Club as Player Welfare Support, with particular focus on the 1 to 3-year players.

[GVGjr]

My understanding is Edge had actually made the decision to go before the B&F night.
That's a great move for Alex Johnson.