St Kilda has finalised its coaching line-up for 2024 as the club looks to carry its momentum from last season's September breakthrough into the new season.
Ross Lyon will again helm the club’s AFL program as senior coach, supported by an experienced suite of assistants and development coaches to drive the Saints forward.
As part of the club’s revised coaching structure, Brendon Goddard will assume the role of Assistant Coach - Midfield for 2024 in place of Lenny Hayes, who has decided to take a step back from the demands of an assistant coaching role in order to spend more time with his family.
Hayes will assume Goddard’s previous position of Development Coach, working alongside Head of Development and Learning Damian Carroll and Development Coach/VFL Senior Coach Jake Batchelor to accelerate the development of St Kilda’s emerging talent.
Goddard’s appointment marks his first senior coaching role, having returned to the club in 2023 alongside Hayes, Robert Harvey and Lyon.
“In finalising our coaching structure for our AFL program ahead of 2024, we’re pleased to announce that Brendon will take charge of our midfield group,” Executive General Manager of Football David Misson said.
“Lenny is and continues to be an integral part of our coaching program moving forward and his knowledge of the game and coaching experience has been invaluable to our midfield group.
“However, given the extensive pressures and commitments that being a senior assistant coach brings and the need at this time for Lenny to spend more time with his family, he has opted to take a step back this year to lend an important hand in our development coaching ranks.
“Brendon has demonstrated in his first year as a coach at the club that he has both the acumen and capabilities to take up this role, with his experience as Development Coach throughout last season widely regarded internally by players and his fellow coaches.
“Brendon will also be aptly supported by Chris McKay, who will step into the role of midfield analyst and stoppage specialist. Chris has been with the club for over 10 years and we’re excited to see him grow further in this role.
“Our broader football department has also been bolstered by the promotion of Darren O’Shaughnessy to the newly created role of Head of Analytics and Strategy. Sam Mooney will also manage our alignment with Sandringham Football Club as we look to streamline our programs across both clubs. Sam will also maintain his analytic and opposition scout responsibilities in 2024.
In addition, Goddard will also assume the role of STK Academy Head Coach in place of Nick Dal Santo.
St Kilda 2024 Coaching Line-up
Senior Coach - Ross Lyon
Assistant Coach - Backline - Corey Enright
Assistant Coach - Midfield - Brendon Goddard
Assistant Coach - Forwards - Robert Harvey
Head of Development and Learning - Damian Carroll
Development Coach/VFL Senior Coach - Jake Batchelor
Development Coach - Lenny Hayes
