Matt Spangher will oversee the forward setup at the Western Bulldogs after last week being appointed as an assistant coach to Luke Beveridge.
The Hawthorn premiership player and cult hero finished up playing at the top level in 2016 before returning to the AFL industry only last year.
Having worked at Collingwood in an engagement and operations role since early 2020, Spangher will now turn his hand to coaching and is keen to get to work with some of the key Bulldogs attackers.
He is particularly excited to work closely with veteran Josh Bruce and unlock his footy knowledge to share with the wider group.
“One in an interesting phase is probably Josh Bruce, being predominantly one of the main senior players and having his knee injury (last season),” Spangher said on SEN Breakfast.
“I’m really keen to develop what I know he has aspirations to do in terms of his career. So to use what is his football IP and spread that across the group more than what it already is.
“Footy’s a small world and we’ve crossed paths in our playing days many years ago now. I think he’s one I’d like to work closely with and use what he can offer to bring the better out of the group as well.”
At the other end of the scale, there are a couple of youngsters who Spangher is looking forward to having under his wing.
The Dogs are almost certain to bring in father-son prospect Sam Darcy in Wednesday night’s National Draft while last year’s No.1 draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan continues to develop at the Whitten Oval.
“On the other end of the spectrum, Sam Darcy is coming into the side, whether or not that’s forward or back,” Spangher added.
“Having watched him at Oakleigh a little bit this year, he’s an impressive young man and the character of who he is in addition to his football ability.
“Obviously Jamarra is one they speak about who has got a lot of talent. Now there might be a little bit more opportunity coming through after a year in the system.
“Having said that, the forward group is unbelievably young across the board and I think that’s a really exciting part.
“Even though they’re young in age, many of them are quite senior in terms of footy lifespan. Aaron Naughton comes to mind in that respect.”
Spangher, who also played for West Coast and Sydney, has joined the Dogs along with WAFL great Marc Webb, who arrives at The Kennel after spending seven years with Fremantle.