St Kilda signs game trends guru David Rath to lead football program

The Saints have brought another key figure in the door in what is a ‘significant coup’ for the club. The game trends expert helped craft Alastair Clarkson’s game plan during their dynasty.

St Kilda has poached highly-respected game trends guru David Rath from the AFL to head up its football program from next season.

The man who played a key role in Hawthorn’s premiership dynasty and led the AFL’s rules probe over the past two years will oversee the Saints’ coaching, leadership and game analysis departments.

It is a significant coup for the Saints as Rath is widely regarded as one of football’s smartest minds, having helped Hawks’ mastermind Alastair Clarkson evolve his game plan throughout their golden era.

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He is one of a number of new off-field appointments for the Saints including ex-Hawthorn champion Jarryd Roughead, as football operations assistant, and ex-Kangaroos’ mental health and wellbeing expert Ben Robbins.

Former director of coaching Danny Sexton will take a new position in administration, while defensive coach Henry Playfair has joined Carlton.

Football operations manager Simon Lethlean, who has led the chase for Rath and Roughead’s signatures, said he welcomed Rath’s considerable game knowledge and premiership experience.

St Kilda have poached David Rath (middle) from the AFL. Picture: Michael Klein

“I think he is absolutely a coup for the Saints to get someone of his quality to come to our program to assist in helping improve us and hunt down the success we are after,” Lethlean said.

“He has a very strong reputation within the industry given his strong club experience and also his influential AFL experience, in various roles including game analytics and coaching education.

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“So we are keen to invest into our program, not only to make it better, but to educate and develop our people.”

Roughead also has a role in the club’s list management department has attended his first list management committee meeting at Moorabbin.

David Rath is one of the figures who helped Alastair Clarkson (right) craft his gameplan while at Hawthorn.

The Saints are eyeing several big trade targets including Brad Hill (Fremantle), Zak Jones (Sydney), and Alex Keath (Adelaide). Jack Newnes and Josh Bruce could be on their way out.

Rath, who is considered an expert in game plans, data and analytics, said he was excited to return to club land after playing a key role at league headquarters.

“There is some real momentum, some good people getting involved, a good feel and a good positive energy around the place,” Rath said.

“I think just how it fitted my skill set, it became very attractive very quickly.”

Rath thanked the AFL for his time helping oversee a period of change in the game, introducing a raft of new rules at the end of last season.