Hawthorn Football Club can confirm changes to its Football Department ahead of season 2014 with Cameron Bruce, Damian Caroll and Adem Yze taking up new positions.
Bruce has been appointed an Assistant Coach after a successful year as Hawthorn’s Development Coach in which he assisted the Box Hill Hawks in winning a VFL premiership.
After calling an end to his 234-game career, Bruce stepped into the development role and oversaw the growth of Hawthorn’s younger players at both VFL and AFL level.
Hawthorn Acting GM – Football Operations Chris Fagan said Bruce is a good communicator who has built strong relationships with players and coaching staff during his time at Hawthorn.
“Cam has done an excellent apprenticeship, he’s worked extremely hard and has thoroughly earned his role as an assistant coach at our football club,” he said.
Bruce joins Luke Beveridge, Brendon Bolton and Brett Ratten in the Club’s assistant coaching department.
Carroll has been appointed Head Coach of Hawthorn’s Development Academy after stepping away from his role as Box Hill Hawks Senior Coach.
Carroll’s three-year stint at Box Hill culminated with a VFL premiership last month.
Prior to Box Hill, Carroll coached TAC Cup side Gippsland Power in 2009 and 2010, taking the side to a Grand Final in his first year.
Fagan said Carroll’s work at Box Hill has been vital to Hawthorn’s success over the past three years.
“Damian has done a terrific job in developing Hawthorn’s younger players at Box Hill level, with many of them coming through and making an impact at AFL level,” he said.
Yze has taken on a full-time Development and Specialist coaching role at Hawthorn after fulfilling the role on a part-time basis during the 2012 season.
Yze retired in 2008 after playing 271 games for Melbourne Football Club, placing him third on the Club’s games played list.
Fagan said Yze’s credentials as an AFL footballer coupled with his enthusiasm and drive meant he established himself as a valuable member of the Club’s coaching staff.
“Adem worked exceptionally hard in his part-time role, particularly in helping our forwards with their goal kicking and we’re looking forward to utilising his knowledge and skills on a full-time basis,” he said.