Hawthorn’s coaching ranks have received a boost ahead of the 2024 season, with Brett Ratten returning to the fold as Head of Coaching Performance & Development.
Ratten is a familiar face among the brown and gold faithful, having played an important role as an assistant coach during Hawthorn’s highly successful three-peat era of 2013-2015.
His impressive and well-rounded coaching resume stretches more than 16 years, during which he was enlisted as Senior Coach at Carlton (2007-2012), St Kilda (2019-2022), and most recently at North Melbourne (2023) in a caretaker capacity.
During his playing days, Ratten was a heralded Carlton hero, representing the Navy Blues on 255 occasions, including the 1995 premiership.
A three-time best and fairest winner, Ratten also captained the club for two seasons, and was recognised as a dual All Australian across his decorated career.
Hawthorn General Manager of Football Rob McCartney said Ratten’s vast experience would be invaluable for a young side on the rise.
“We’re thrilled to bring someone of Brett’s calibre into our program. He will play a key role in mentoring and developing our coaching staff,” McCartney said.
“With his experience, expertise, and immense football IQ, we believe Brett will make an immediate impact both on and off the field.
“On top of his obvious coaching skillset, Brett is a fantastic person with great perspective, who will no doubt have a positive influence on our culture and provide great mentorship for everyone across our program.”
Ratten said, following his departure from North Melbourne, he was keen to look for a role where he could have an impact both on and off the field.
“I am really confident about the direction Hawthorn has taken in developing a young list on the way back to contending for premiership success, it is one of the main reasons why I choose to return to the Hawks,” Ratten said.
“There is a great group of coaches and football staff at the club, and I am really keen to get to work in the pre-season and help set the club up for a big 2024.”
Hawthorn will welcome back its first to fourth-year players for the start of pre-season training from Monday 13 November, while the remainder of the list will return on Monday 27 November.
