Updated - 2.15pm, August 25
HAWTHORN Assistant Coach Brendon Bolton has been appointed as Carlton Football Club’s Senior Coach.
Bolton will leave the Hawks prior to the Round 22 match against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday to commence his new role.
The 36-year-old spent two seasons (2009-2010) as coach of Hawthorn's VFL affiliate, Box Hill Hawks, coaching the side to consecutive finals appearances.
He became a senior assistant coach in 2011 and has contributed to two AFL premierships (2013 and 2014).
Bolton has worked as both a midfield coach and forward line coach at Hawthorn.
Senior Coach Alastair Clarkson said Bolton has made a fantastic contribution to Hawthorn’s success.
“In his time at Hawthorn, Brendon has displayed a fantastic ability to build strong relationships with the playing and coaching group, and his teaching background enables him to develop players,” Clarkson said.
“He is well-placed for the transition into senior coaching, which is thoroughly deserved on the back of an impressive coaching apprenticeship.
“We would like to thank him for his contribution to Hawthorn Football Club and wish Brendon and his wife Louisa, and their children Ned and Rosie well.”
Clarkson will now coach against five former assistants in 2016 – Bolton at the Blues, Adam Simpson (West Coast Eagles), Luke Beveridge (Western Bulldogs), Damien Hardwick (Richmond) and Leon Cameron (GWS Giants).
Bolton will enter his new role with a 5-0 record as a senior AFL coach, after guiding Hawthorn in Clarkson’s absence between Rounds 11 and 15 last season.
Damian Carroll will step into the assistant coaching role vacated by Bolton as the Hawks prepare for their final two home-and-away games and this year’s finals series.
Bolton will spend the remainder of the week helping Carroll, who is the club’s Head of Development Academy, transition into the role.
Hawthorn CEO Stuart Fox said after consultation with both Bolton and Carlton, the decision was made to part ways at the week’s end.
“Brendon has been a fantastic contributor to our football club and we wish him all the best as he moves into a senior coaching position,” Fox said.
“In considering the Hawks’ upcoming finals campaign we have consulted with both Brendon and Carlton and agreed upon a transition period to take place over the next three days.
“Understandably, Brendon is eager to begin in his new role and we don’t believe it would be feasible for him to split his focus across Carlton and our upcoming finals series.
“We have a number of capable coaches within the club who can step in over the next two weeks and beyond.”
