St Kilda Football Club can confirm Player Development Manager Tony Brown will depart the club to pursue a new role with the Western Bulldogs.

Brown's departure brings to a close 21 years of service to the Saints, both as a player and in his role providing development and welfare support to the club's playing group.

As a player, Brown represented the red, white and black on 108 occasions between 1995 and 2000, including the club's 1997 AFL Grand Final campaign.

After a stint in the SANFL, followed by seven years teaching at Sandringham East Primary School, Haileybury College and Christian College Geelong, Brown returned to the Saints in 2012 as Player Development Manager and gameday runner.

Over the following 14 years, Brown became a trusted mentor to generations of Saints players, supporting them through every stage of their journey, from arriving at the club as teenagers to preparing for life beyond football.

General Manager of Football Lenny Hayes said Brown had supported generations of St Kilda footballers and would leave a lasting impact on the club.

“Browny’s the kind of person who made every player feel part of the Saints from the moment they walked through the door.

"He has been there on so many players' first and last days at the club. In between, he's helped young men settle into a new city, supported them through injury and setbacks, been the person they could call when they needed advice, and guided them as they prepared for life after football.

“Browny’s impact extends well beyond football, having helped countless young men navigate the transition from professional sport to the next stage of their lives.

“Our players, coaches and staff thank Browny, his wife Kirsty and children Mackenzie, Jonty and Maddison for everything they have given the Saints over the past two decades.”

St Kilda co-captain Jack Sinclair also praised the role Brown had played in the careers and lives of the playing group.

“Browny was the ultimate support person for all of our players, partners and families. He went above and beyond to create environments, both at the club and at home, that gave each individual the best chance to succeed.

“No task was ever too difficult, and it gave us great comfort knowing we could rely on him 24/7. His friendship and care helped so many navigate through challenging times with form, injury and personal hardships off the field.”

Brown said the decision to move was one of the most difficult decisions he’d ever made.

“The St Kilda Football Club has been my home for more than two decades and has played such an important role in my life.

“The club provided my first opportunity in the AFL, and I've felt privileged to support young athletes as they pursued their dreams over the past 15 years.

“The players and staff I've worked alongside during that time have become more like family than colleagues, and while I'll soon be changing colours, those friendships will endure forever.

“While the time is right for a new challenge and the opportunity to work closer to home in Barwon Heads is appealing, I'll deeply miss the Saints and the people who make this club so special.

“I wish everyone at St Kilda all the very best for future success, both on the field and in their lives away from the game.”