Recently retired Western Bulldogs ruckman Stefan Martin will return to the Kennel from next year as a development coach.
Martin called time on his three-club, 14-year 202-game career at the cessation of the 2022 season at the age of 35.
The former Demon, Lion and Bulldog was a key piece in the Dogs' run to the grand final last year, at times sharing the workload with first-string tall Tim English and reserve ruckman Jordon Sweet.
Injuries and selection preference would limit Martin to four matches this year, however the Brisbane best and fairest winner would look to aid the development of English, Sweet and rookie Sam Darcy, who made his debut late into the season.
Martin's mentorship is now expected to continue into 2023, with the Bulldogs signadding the veteran ruckman to their coaching cohort.
Martin will hold a role in working with the Dogs' ruckmen, while also working as an assistant with VFL affiliate Footscray.
The retention of Martin adds to the inclusion of St Kilda assistant Brendon Lade, who has also joined the Bulldogs this off-season as their midfield coach.
Martin's tenure as a development coach has already gotten underway, with the Berwick product spotted at the Dogs' first session back for pre-season training.
Senior coach Luke Beveridge will be hoping for another strong year from English thanks to Martin's assistance, with the Dogs looking to bounce back to premiership contention.
Set to enter the final year of his contract, Beveridge is reportedly near agreeing to a new deal at the Bulldogs.
