MPFNL 2024: Frankston Bombers announce coaching department

Jarrad Grant will have an incredible amount of football IQ supporting him as he embarks on his senior coaching career at the Frankston Bombers in 2024.

Frankston Bombers’ coaching and football department for 2024. Picture: Facebook

A vast array of football IQ will be alongside Jarrad Grant as he kicks off his senior coaching career at the Frankston Bombers in 2024.

The former Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast Suns forward has stepped up to coach his home club after the Bombers’ previous coach John Brown resigned earlier this month.

Grant, 34, said the coaching opportunity came sooner than he expected, admitting the task of playing and coaching at the same time would “definitely’’ be a challenge.

But over the past week the Bombers have assembled a star-studded coaching and football department, including past coaches, ex-AFL players and club greats.

Jarrad Grant of the Bulldogs celebrates after kicking a goal. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Former Frankston Bombers and Langwarrin senior coach and VFL player Ash Charles will be the backline coach while offering knowledge and support to Grant from the bench.

Luke Harris returns as a midfield coach after previously having this role for three seasons in 2020-2022. He will also offer support to Grant from the bench.

Current Bombers star player Khan Haretuku will continue his role as playing forward line coach.

Former Western Buldogs player Jason Watts will coach the Bombers’ under-19s. “He is the perfect fit to help develop and educate the boys in readiness for senior football in the coming years,’’ the club said.

Former Bombers player and coach Shawn Price will take on a role in mental fitness. Price is a registered psychologist who has worked with some of the biggest sporting and corporate companies in Australia.

“We are extremely lucky to have Shawn and his professional services work closely with our group in 2024,’’ the club said.

Mark Green, who’s completed almost every role at the club since joining in 2014, will continue in his role as head of football operations.

Nathan Lonie.

Beau Muston.

Life member and former premiership player Nathan Lonie will be head of development. The former Hawthorn and Port Adelaide 104-gamer will also provide specialist coaching to the Bombers’ younger players while acting as a mentor to the entire coaching team.

The Bombers’ longest serving senior coach Beau Muston also returns as a coaching director.

“He will work closely with Jarrad and the entire coaching team to ensure they are all well supported in their roles,’’ the club said.

Former player Jacob Cudmore and the newly appointed Blake Simpson will develop their coaching skills, with Cudmore to work closely with Charles with the backline while Simpson will work with Harris through the midfield.

The Bombers have also regained 200-game player Ryan Lia, who will take on the reserves head coach role for 2024.