Shane O'Bree, a former midfielder for the Brisbane Lions and Collingwood Magpies, has landed a new coaching gig for the 2025 season.
Playing nearly 250 AFL matches over the course of 13 seasons between 1998 to 2010,ย O'Bree has been appointed as the new head coach of St Joseph's College Geelong's First XVIII team.
It also comes after he previously worked as a midfielder coach for the Gold Coast Suns, the head of Geelong's VFL side and an assistant coach with the Cats.
It is understood that despite the new coaching gig, he will remain working as a recruiter for the Cats, which will keep him involved in the AFL system.
โThe opportunity to coach at St Joseph's College is something I am very passionate about, by helping young people perform their best,โ O'Bree said viaย The Geelong Advertiser.
โThey have a rich history of producing elite players, and to have the opportunity to work with some of the best talent in the region was too good an opportunity to pass up.
โThank you to (school principal) Tony Paatsch and the team for the opportunity to join St Joseph's College to undertake the role.โ
The Geelong Cats and St Joseph's College have a storied history with one another, with the school providing over 35 talents who have gone on to play in the AFL.
This prestigious list includes the likes of Jimmy Bartel, Cameron Ling and Matthews Scarlett.
Nowadays, five members of Geelong's squad are former students of Joeys: Tom Stewart, Jack Henry, Ollie Henry, Tanner Bruhn, and Ted Clohesy.
โFrom our first meeting with Shane, we were excited about the development and opportunity for our students to have someone of Shane's experience guide them,โ Principal Tony Paatsch added.
โShane will be working with our AFL teams at training and for their Associated Catholic Colleges games over the course of the year.โ
