John Blakey says his latest move within the Swans’ coaching structure has come at the right time.
Blakey switched from defensive coach to a newly created role during the off-season, the former Fitzroy and North Melbourne champ now overseeing the whole operation as Director of Coaching and Development.
Blakey will have a direct say in each faction of the coaching setup while at the same time overseeing the Swans’ development program.
The move is set to add another string to Blakey’s already extensive coaching resume which began in 2003 at Brisbane before continuing over the past nine years at Sydney.
“I think it was the right time for me to give something else a go,” Blakey said.
“I’ve been involved in coaching for many years now so it was an opportunity to try my hand at a different role.
“It also gives the players a different voice which is refreshing for them.”
During his time at the Swans, Blakey has been an assistant coach and has looked after almost every line on the footy field with his most recent outpost being an area of expertise of which Blakey carved a stellar 359-game playing career at both the Lions and Kangaroos.
Blakey’s job now will be to “bring it all together” on top of accelerating the development of the Swans’ younger brigade, with help from respective coaches Rhyce Shaw and Nick Davis.
“Obviously I won’t be in charge of each line but I can certainly have my two cents to make sure we’re all heading in the same direction so on match day we’re running smoothly,” he added.
“We get young guys coming through all the time so the challenge is to make sure these guys can develop as quickly as possible so they’re ready to transition into senior football.”
After seven seasons as player and coach, Shaw and Blakey will continue working together in light of Shaw’s appointment as NEAFL coach.
Blakey believes Shaw’s strongest attribute – “uniting the playing group” – will be a great asset to the coaching department.
In other moves, Henry Playfair has replaced Blakey as defensive coach while former Fremantle assistant Brett Kirk steps in as forwards coach.
