VFL premiership coach Mark Corrigan leaves Casey and signs with Geelong Cats for 2023 season

A premiership-winning coach has signed a three-year deal with a new club, just weeks after lifting the cup.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 18: Mark Corrigan, coach of the Casey Demons and Mitch White of the Casey Demons celebrate after the 2022 VFL Grand Final match between the Casey Demons and the Southport Sharks at Ikon Park on September 18, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Felicity Elliott/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

GEELONG will have a new VFL coach next season, luring premiership-winning Demon Mark Corrigan to join the Cats on a three-year deal ahead of 2023.

Corrigan led Casey to a grand final victory against Southport this year in just his second season at the helm, and spent time working at Essendon across multiple roles.

Geelong general manager of football Simon Lloyd said Corrigan would be a valued addition to Geelong’s coaching group.

“Mark has strong experience in the coaching and development of young players and we’re thrilled to have his football expertise overseeing our VFL program,” he said.

Geelong’s Jack Evans during the VFL football match between Werribee and Geelong in Werribee, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“Mark’s knowledge will ensure our players will continue to build their capabilities in our development system to allow them to be in the position to take their opportunities at AFL level.”

Corrigan is not unfamiliar with the Cats, having spent four seasons from 2011 in Geelong as a VFL player and midfield coach.

He was also Geelong’s VFL coach in 2020, before the season was cancelled because of the Covid pandemic.

Corrigan won a premiership at the club in 2012, as well as a best and fairest award in 2013.

Corrigan will also join his brother Paul Corrigan as a head coach for an elite Geelong program, with Paul coaching the Geelong Falcons and the Victoria Country side at the National Championships.

Esava Ratugolea during the VFL football match between Werribee and Geelong in Werribee, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Current VFL coach Shane O’Bree has moved to a newly-created role as the AFL midfield and list assistant, and will remain at the club he has been a part of since 2012.

Lloyd said O’Bree had earned the new role within the football department.

“Shane has been integral in leading our VFL team, he’s played a crucial role in the development of a number of players at both VFL and AFL level, many of whom played in our AFL grand final win.

“Players like Tom Atkins, Sam De Koning, Zach Guthrie, Mark O’Connor, Jack Henry and Gryan Miers have all benefited from having Shane part of their football development.

“Shane has a depth of experience generated over a number of years and has worked across many facets of coaching and development.

“This role will see him use much of that experience and will also broaden his future development.”

Originally published as VFL premiership coach Mark Corrigan leaves Casey and signs with Geelong Cats for 2023 season