The St Kilda Football Club has today agreed to grant assistant coaches Robert Harvey and Steven King with an early release from their contracts to allow them to pursue career opportunities elsewhere.

Harvey, 40, who played 383 games for St Kilda, returned to the Club ahead of the 2011 season as assistant coach following two years at the Carlton Football Club, where he held positions of development coach (2009) and assistant coach (2010).

Steven King played 47 games for the Club before he moved into St Kilda’s coaching staff midway through the 2010 season following a career ending injury and was later appointed ruck/midfield coach for the 2011 season.

Chief Executive Michael Nettlefold said Robert Harvey’s contribution to the St Kilda Football Club over 25 years has been unparalleled, which made granting his release an extremely difficult decision.

“Robert is, and will always be, welcome at the St Kilda Football Club. He has developed as an assistant coach during his time at St Kilda and there is no reason why Robert can’t realise his ambition to become a senior coach in the future.”

“On behalf of everyone associated with St Kilda Football Club, I would like to thank both Robert and Steven for their contribution and commitment as key members of our coaching staff last season. They both leave with our full support.”
St Kilda Football Club legend, Robert Harvey, is committed to becoming a senior coach and has nothing but positive things to say about his spiritual home.

“I met with Scott Watters earlier this week and can see why the Club appointed him head coach, he is an excellent choice.”

“The interview process was very robust, something I support wholeheartedly, and I’m certainly better for the experience.”

“My decision to leave the St Kilda Football Club was a difficult one. I have a great love for the Club and a strong desire to one day return to the Club in the future.”
“I believe my coaching development will be best served in a different environment where I can continue to gain the skills required to become a senior coach.”

King, 32, who joined St Kilda from Geelong ahead of the 2008 season, leaves under unique circumstances.

“I’m very grateful for the Club’s support and understanding in granting me this early release.”

“I’ve been presented with an opportunity at the Western Bulldogs where I’ll be working alongside my former coach, an opportunity I felt I couldn’t turn down.”

“St Kilda were fundamental in my transition from a player to a coach.”

The St Kilda Football Club has commenced discussions with potential new assistant coaches.