St Kilda have confirmed their coaching lineup for 2024, with the club eager to continue their form from this year and build on their momentum after playing finals football.
Ross Lyon will remain as senior coach, with Brendon Goddard taking on the role of assistant coach of the Saints' midfield group, taking Lenny Hayes' position who has taken a step away from assistant coaching to have more time with his family.
Hayes will take Goodard's previous role as development coach, working with head of development and learning Damian Carroll and development coach/VFL senior coach Jake Batchelor to continue growing the development of St Kilda's emerging talent.
Executive general manager of football David Misson thanked Hayes for his service this year and expressed his excitement in the new change for Goddard.
“In finalising our coaching structure for our AFL program ahead of 2024, we're pleased to announce that Brendon will take charge of our midfield group," Misson said via a club statement.
“Lenny is and continues to be an integral part of our coaching program moving forward and his knowledge of the game and coaching experience has been invaluable to our midfield group.
“However, given the extensive pressures and commitments that being a senior assistant coach brings and the need at this time for Lenny to spend more time with his family, he has opted to take a step back this year to lend an important hand in our development coaching ranks.
“Brendon has demonstrated in his first year as a coach at the club that he has both the acumen and capabilities to take up this role, with his experience as Development Coach throughout last season widely regarded internally by players and his fellow coaches.
“Alongside fellow assistant coaches Robert Harvey and Corey Enright, we believe we have a knowledgeable and respected group who can help lead this club forward under the leadership of Ross Lyon.
“Brendon will also be aptly supported by Chris McKay, who will step into the role of midfield analyst and stoppage specialist. Chris has been with the club for over 10 years and we're excited to see him grow further in this role.
“Our broader football department has also been bolstered by the promotion of Darren O'Shaughnessy to the newly created role of Head of Analytics and Strategy.
“Sam Mooney will also manage our alignment with Sandringham Football Club as we look to streamline our programs across both clubs. Sam will also maintain his analytic and opposition scout responsibilities in 2024."
Goddard will also take on the position as St Kilda Academy Head Coach, taking over from Nick Dal Santo.
St Kilda will kick off their season opener against Geelong on Saturday, March 16 at GMHBA Stadium.