St Kilda Football Club has strengthened its coaching ranks by announcing the appointment of Brendon Bolton and Jared Rivers as assistant coaches for the upcoming 2025 season.
Bolton, 45, joins St Kilda following a successful three-year tenure at Collingwood, where he served as Director of Coaching.
He played a crucial role in the Magpies' triumphant 2023 premiership campaign, overseeing the execution of the club's strategy that culminated in their 16th flag.
Bolton's previous coaching experience includes serving as head coach of Carlton from 2016 to 2019 and holding multiple roles at Hawthorn, contributing to three premierships during his time there.
The news worsens an already tumultuous period for Collingwood since their flag 13 months ago. Chief executive Craig Kelly acknowledged some internal friction within the club's football department this past season, particularly between Bolton and fellow assistant Justin Leppitsch.
The Magpies are currently in the process of restructuring their football department, following the recent departures of Wright and president Jeff Browne.
Meanwhile, Jared Rivers returns to AFL coaching after four successful seasons at Collegians Football Club in the VAFA A Grade competition, where he secured a premiership in 2023.
Rivers, a 194-game veteran with Melbourne and Geelong, previously served as a development and VFL coach at Collingwood from 2015 to 2019.
In addition to these appointments, the Saints confirmed Brendon Goddard as the senior coach of Sandringham in the VFL, alongside his development coaching role within the club.
David Misson, Executive General Manager of Football, expressed enthusiasm about the new additions.
“Brendon and Jared each come from well-respected organisations and have played pivotal parts in their respective successes. We believe their experience will help push the club further in the direction we're striving towards.”
The complete coaching lineup for St Kilda will be finalised in the coming weeks as the club looks to establish a strong foundation for a hopeful return to finals next season.