SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 30: Jarryd Roughead of the Hawks looks dejected after losing the round 15 AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Hawthorn Hawks at Spotless Stadium on June 30, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Hawthorn champion Jarryd Roughead has signed a three-year deal with St Kilda in an off-field role in the club's football department.
The four-time premiership Hawk recently announced his retirement to go down as one of the most decorated players in the game's history.
His position at the Saints will include working with the club's list management, leadership and mentoring program, performing a match day role and working with some of the club’s emerging key position players.
St Kilda General Manager of Football Simon Lethlean was thrilled to bring a character of Roughead's ilk to the club.
“His football resume speaks for itself and it will be incredibly valuable to tap into his knowledge and experience as we continue to strengthen our football program,” Lethlean told the club website.
“Given the demand for his services, we are obviously thrilled that Roughy has chosen the Saints as the club where he wants to take the first step in the next phase of his football career.”
“He will add huge value to a number of areas in our program, supporting James Gallagher in list management and recruiting, while also playing a key role in developing our young leaders to help drive the standards that are required to win premierships.
“As one of the game’s best key forwards over the past 15 years, we will also utilise his knowledge to support our coaching group, where he will work with our talented young key position players to develop their craft.”
Roughead was excited to get underway at his new club, which he will join ahead of pre-season in November.
“I’m looking forward to working across the football program and with a really talented young group of players, and contributing where I can to their development,” Roughead said.
“St Kilda presented an appealing role and have a very clear direction in where they want to take the club over the next few years.
“I’m looking forward to getting started and thank them for the opportunity.”