Former AFL forward and current Western Jets coach Trent Dennis-Lane is back in the AFL
Former AFL player, pathways coach and star local forward Trent Dennis-Lane is on the move, taking the role as a leading AFL club’s development coach.
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Trent Dennis-Lane is back in the AFL and he’s back in the city where it all began.
The former Sydney and St Kilda forward is moving on from his role as coach of Western Jets, joining GWS as a development coach.
Dennis-Lane, who played 29 games at AFL level after being drafted to the Swans in 2009, has coached the Jets in the Coates Talent League for the past two seasons.
He was a mentor to Jets draftee turn Brisbane premiership player Logan Morris in his first season as coach.
Dennis-Lane worked for Sandringham Zebras and St Kilda’s Next Generation Academy prior to his position at the Jets.
“It’s my dream, mate, I get to step back into club land and see if I can positively influence,” Dennis-Lane, 36, said.
“It’s been one of my goals, I am quite proud of how I have put myself out there this season with my networking, getting in the heads of football’s awareness.
“There’s something a little bit full circle about it (moving back to Sydney), a couple of my closest mates who got me down to Dingley, they’re massive Swans supporters, so they’re a bit dirty at me.”
GWS Executive General Manager of Football, Jason McCartney, said Dennis-Lane brought a “wealth of experience” to the Giants.
“Trent comes to us with a great resume and a wealth of experience working with the best young talent in the country and we see him as the perfect fit for this role,” McCartney said.
“Bringing a quality person into our program like Trent will only further benefit our players and their development.
“We’re excited to welcome Trent and his partner Nina back to Sydney and to our GIANTS family.”
Dennis-Lane flies to Sydney this weekend for an introduction before returning to Melbourne for the AFL draft next Wednesday.
The Jets hope a number of prospects will join Dennis-Lane at AFL clubs, including Lucca Grego and Lucas Impey.
Dennis-Lane has been juggling coaching the Jets as well as playing local football at Dingley in the Southern league.
He kicked 41 goals in 14 games and a best-on-ground five goals in an interleague representative match this season.
Dennis-Lane isn’t ready to fully retire from local footy but admits he has been preparing to give it up for some time.
“Everyone has known I have been gearing up towards coaching,” he said.
“I am 36 now, turning 37 next year, the body is pretty sore, I did join the gym to fix that but I am pending.
“You can put a pencil line through me but have the eraser ready just in case.”
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