Elshaug comes into the role with an innate understanding of the Club and its requirements, having served as an Assistant Coach under Senior Coach Ross Lyon since 2007.
Since joining the Saints in 2007, Tony has been instrumental in two finals campaigns where he assisted the Saints in reaching Preliminary Finals in 2008/09 and the 2009 Toyota AFL Grand Final. Elshaug also assisted to St Kilda’s 2010 finals campaign.
Tony’s contribution to both St Kilda and the AFL industry as a whole has been significant, having been an assistant coach for close to 20 years at North Melbourne, Carlton and
St Kilda.
Senior Coach Ross Lyon said, ‘We are extremely excited to appoint Tony as Recruiting Manager. He has outstanding experience within the football environment, where many young players have prospered under his leadership and direction.”
With an extensive playing background spanning 10 seasons, Elshaug played a total of 137 games and commenced his League career in 1979, debuting for Melbourne. In 1980, at 19 years of age, he represented Victoria in interstate football. A great ball winner, Elshaug was fast, skilful and an excellent kick.
Having played with the Demons from 1979-1983, Elshaug moved across to Essendon in 1984 and in the following year played in the Bombers 1985 premiership side, where he kicked 37 goals for the season.
Following a brief period at Collingwood in 1988, Elshaug then continued his involvement in football, having a strong affiliation in the VFA with Dandenong, whom he captain-coached to the 1991 premiership.
Tony will commence his role with the Saints immediately.
