ST KILDA has finalised its 2015 coaching panel with the appointment of former Carlton player Rohan Welsh as defensive assistant coach.

The 44-year old played full forward in Dandenong’s 1991 VFA premiership team (alongside Saints recruiting manager Tony Elshaug) and was the league’s leading goal kicker-that year with 84 goals. He also won the 1991 VFA mark of the year.

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Welsh went on to play 43 games for the Blues between 1992 and 1997, including the 1993 AFL Grand Final. He later joined Frankston in the VFL as a player before turning to coaching with the Calder Cannons in the TAC Cup from 2001 – 2004.

He held the position of senior coach of Oakleigh Chargers from 2005 – 2008 (which included the 2006 premiership) and then coached the Vic Metro under-18 team at the National Championships from 2009 – 2012.

For the past two years Welsh has been senior coach for Casey Scorpions in the VFL.

Chief operating officer and acting head of football Ameet Bains said his appointment to St Kilda’s coaching panel comes after the announcement that long-term assistant coach Danny Sexton has been promoted to the role of Director of Coaching and Strategy.

“It is tremendously exciting to finalise the club’s coaching structure for the 2015 season,” Bains said.

“At a time of significant regeneration at the Saints, we will now enter the new year with a complete coaching panel to drive our young list forward.”

Welsh will work closely with part-time specialist defensive coach Danny Frawley.

2015 COACHING PANEL:

Senior Coach Alan Richardson

Director of Coaching and Strategy Danny Sexton

Assistant Coach – Forward Aaron Hamill

Assistant Coach – Midfield Adam Kingsley

Assistant Coach – Defence Rohan Welsh

Head of Player Academy and Development Simon McPhee

Development Coach & Sandringham Senior Coach Paul Hudson

Development Coach Lindsay Gilbee

Development Coach Peta Searle

Specialist Defensive Coach (part time) Danny Frawley

Ruck Coach (part time) Adam Skrobalak