The Western Bulldogs have added further football experience to their coaching ranks with the acquisition of former St Kilda captain Jarryn Geary to a development and leadership role at Whitten Oval.
Geary, who called time on his 15-year, 207-game career with the Saints last year, joins Matthew Egan and Daniel Pratt in joining Luke Beveridge's coaching strikeforce for 2024.
The 35-year-old first joined the AFL in 2008 and would be named captain of the Saints, succeeding club great Nick Reiwoldt to hold the role from 2017-2021 before stepping down.
Geary's last game at the elite level would come that same season, with injuries preventing him from returning to the field last year before he announced his retirement.
After a year away from game, Geary has returned by linking up with the Bulldogs for 2024, taking on a development role with the club's AFL and VFL program while also planning to work with the leadership group.
“It was a really exciting opportunity presented by the Bulldogs and I'm extremely grateful to begin my coaching journey under Luke Beveridge and the team,” Geary said in a club statement.
“I've always respected the Bulldogs from afar during my playing days, and hopefully I can bring some of my experiences from St Kilda to help benefit the program.”
A Life Member at Moorabbin, Geary was a fierce leader and courageous defender for the Saints during his time with the club.
Bulldogs football director Chris Grant said Geary would be an integral part of the club's coaching group moving forward.
“As a recently retired player his knowledge of the game will be a great asset to our coaching and player groups, whilst also providing Jarryn with learning and development from our highly experienced coaching set-up under Luke Beveridge.
“Our leaders will benefit from having someone of Jarryn's leadership experience and we look forward to officially welcoming Jarryn and his partner Emma and young family to our football club early next month.”
Geary's role at the Kennel will officially commence in mid-November.
