Brett Ratten will remain the Senior Coach of St Kilda’s AFL side, with the club announcing a two-year contract extension today.

In a Friday morning letter to members, President Andrew Bassat backed in Ratten as the best person to lead the club forward. 

“As the leader of our men’s program, Brett has secured significant buy-in from his fellow coaches, staff and players alike,” Bassat said.

“In addition to his strong football IQ, our players appreciate his ability to develop strong relationships, which he uses as a foundation to challenge each individual to get better and to deliver their role for the team. 

This balance, and the ability to unite his coaches, players and staff in a relentless quest for excellence makes Brett the best person to lead us towards our much longed-for second premiership.

- St Kilda President Andrew Bassat

50-year-old Ratten joined the Saints as an Assistant Coach ahead of the 2019 season. After assuming a caretaker position midway through the year, he was officially appointed as Senior Coach ahead of the 2020 season. 

“We have seen Brett adapt and grow since assuming the position of Senior Coach ahead of the 2020 season,” Bassat said.  

“His re-entry into the senior coaching chair has not been easy, tackling two years of COVID interruptions, hub life and the unavailability of players and staff through injury and illness. However, his focus on the continual improvement of not only our players, but his fellow staff and himself has been ever-present.

“We must be unrelenting and embrace each day as a chance to improve. Brett exemplifies this urgency daily, not only through his coaching, but through the transparent and authentic way he draws the best out of those around him. 

“His genuine belief and deep understanding of where we all want this club to go is clear in each decision he makes, and even more so by the way he brings others along with him.

“Brett and his family embody the spirit of the Saints, and I am proud to have him leading us forward.”

Ratten began his coaching career at Melbourne as assistant under Neale Daniher in 2004. He then coached Norwood in 2006 before joining Carlton as an assistant ahead of the 2007 season.

After taking the interim job at the Blues mid-way through 2007, Ratten assumed the senior coaching role from 2008 and 2012, where he led the team to finals on three occasions.

He then joined Hawthorn as an assistant coach under Alastair Clarkson and was part of the Hawks’ three premierships, before accepting a role at the Saints.