St Kilda’s revamped coaching group will have another new face next season, with Jake Batchelor joining the club as a development coach.
After seven years and 84 senior games with Richmond, Batchelor joined the Frankston Dolphins in 2018 as a playing assistant coach.
The 26-year-old impressed in his role, developing the Dolphins’ young defenders and also spent time at the Saints in a part-time capacity in the second half of the season.
Talented part-time assistant coach Adam Skrobalak will also step up his involvement through a full-time development role with St Kilda in 2019.
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Skrobalak combined his role at the Saints this season with senior coaching responsibilities at the Dolphins.
General Manager of Football Simon Lethlean said the duo were both talented young coaches who would add a lot to the club’s coaching group.
“We were really keen to increase Adam’s role at the club, and I know our players really enjoy working with him,” Lethlean said.
“The experience of coaching his own side this season will be a huge asset for him and for us heading into next year.
“Jake is someone not long out of the game who we’ve got to know through his involvement this season.
“He’s just come out of the system, so we think he can play an important role in helping develop our young defenders.”
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The addition of Skrobalak and Batchelor follows the recruitment of Brett Ratten and Brendon Lade, who will assume senior assistant roles with the club in October.