The implementation of this new development model includes the appointment of Dean Wallis to the position of Development Coach.
General Manager of Football Operations Paul Hamilton said Wallis’ thorough knowledge of the game would be of significant benefit to the development of Essendon’s players.
“As a club we have made a very strong strategic decision to put more resources into the development of our players and with this in mind we have appointed Dean in a development capacity,” Hamilton said.
“Dean has had enormous experience at St Kilda, Essendon and Fremantle and we know he has a real hunger to help improve individual players.
“It is important that we continue to build the best off-field team to support our coach James Hird and our playing group and we believe Dean will bring valuable knowledge and experience to help us to do this.”
The new development model will see Shannon Grant and Hayden Skipworth take on full-time development roles, with recently appointed People and Development Manager Danny Corcoran to oversee the Jack Jones Development Academy.
“We are operating in a really competitive environment, particularly with the addition of the Gold Coast and GWS team, and it is imperative that we maximise the development of the players that we bring into the system from the earliest stages in their careers,” Hamilton said.
“We want to feel comfortable that we have given the players every resource and every opportunity to become the best possible player that they can be.”
