Development Coach

[Cicjose]

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/126214/default.aspx

ESSENDON has bolstered its coaching group by appointing former Adelaide player James Byrne as development coach.

Byrne played 24 games for the Crows from 2000-01 before winning club best and fairest awards with Glenelg in the SANFL
and South Fremantle in the WAFL.

He joined Geelong's VFL team in 2004 and captained the side to a VFL premiership in 2007,
also winning the J.J. Liston Trophy.

Byrne's main role will be working with the Bombers' first- to third-year players and managing the Jack Jones Development Academy at the club.

Hamilton said Byrne, 33, would be able to build a strong relationship with the younger players, but his role would not be restricted to the younger core of Essendon's list.

"That's his priority, but it's not limited to that," Hamilton said. "It's an exciting role for him and we're excited to have him.

We think he'll make some really good changes and we think he'll be really good for our players and their development. He's already shown a lot of initiative in a very short time he's been here.