2014 premiership Hawk Matt Spangher has traded the Holden Centre for the Whitten Oval following his decision to take on a coaching role with the Western Bulldogs next season.
While Spangher had previously held the role as Collingwood's AFL engagement and VFL operations manager, with the 34-year-old appointed as the Bulldogs' forwards coach for 2022.
Despite having slotted just 13 goals across the course of his 11-year career, the 56-gamer will now be tasked with guiding names such as Jamara Ugle-Hagen, Josh Bruce and Aaron Naughton as they each look to elevate their outputs.
The former Eagle, Swan and Hawk joins former Fremantle assistant Marc Webb as the latest coaching additions for the 2021 runners-up, with the latter set to take on the duties as midfield coach.
โIn Matt and Marc, we have two outstanding characters with rich football history and strong communication and management skills.ย They will both be critical people for us as we continue to build capability into our playing group from 2022 onwards,โ Dogs coach Luke Beveridge said on the announcement.
โBringing two new coaches into our program will provide us with fresh ideas and some different voices, which will be imperative for our future as we endeavour to achieve a period of sustained on-field success.
โMatt and Marc will provide their own unique skill set, and they will be indoctrinated into a close-knit coaching team.ย They will be provided every opportunity to flourish in their roles through a foundation based on collaboration and empowerment.โ
Rohan Smith is tipped to remain at the Kennel in his current position of defensive coach, the club champion remains the only name to stay on after Steven King and Ashley Hansen set sail for respective posts at the Suns and Blues.
It is expected that Spangher will officially commence his time with the Dogs when the entirety ofย Beveridge's list returns to the track in the coming weeks.
