Werribee has finalised its coaching line-up for the upcoming season, the first under new mentor Jimmy Allan.

Allan, who played 27 games for the club across two seasons before a brilliant career in the SANFL, will be assisted by fellow Werribee alums Kyle Hartigan and Jarrod Young with Matt Dowling promoted from his role as a development coach.

Assuming the position of backline coach is Hartigan who after three years at Werribee went on to play 135 games with Adelaide and Hawthorn.

The former AFL defender isn’t unfamiliar with the current Werribee playing group after providing specialist coaching with the team during the 2023 season.

Young, a former teammate to Allan, has been appointed midfield coach and is back at Werribee for the first time since a four-year stint as a player from 2005-08.

After a decade of football in the VFL, SANFL and NTFL, Young has been an assistant coach at Grovedale and a playing coach at Geelong Amateur. He wrapped up his playing days by leading Inverleigh to a Geelong and District premiership this year.

Meanwhile, Dowling has been elevated and will now oversee the forwards following an outstanding first 12 months working with the line as a development coach.

The club’s development manager remains Hamish MacInnes who heads up the position for a third straight year, while Mario Mathuranayagam resumes his role as a development coach with the defenders.  

Joining the club as a development coach is Mark Hanson who arrives following a successful playing career and more recently coaching roles with Point Cook Centrals.

Werribee football manager Ash Collins said the club was delighted with its coaches for the upcoming campaign.

“We’re really happy with the support we’ve put around Jimmy as he prepares for his first season,” Collins said.

“With 10 years in the AFL system Kyle will be an invaluable resource for all of us and will be huge for not only the defenders but the entire playing list.

“Youngy returns to the place he started his senior career and brings a wealth of experience from his time playing and coaching, so he’ll be great for our midfielders.

“We’re excited to see Matt step-up as he is an impressive young coach. He’s eager to improve his coaching skillset and will continue to provide great guidance to our forwards.

“Hamish will continue to play a key role with the young and emerging talent at the club and has already played a big part this preseason leading training while Jimmy made the move from Adelaide.

“The development coaches under him in Mario and Mark are terrific guys to have onboard. Mario has a great connection with our players and staff and Mark comes in ready to share his knowledge.”


IMAGE: (L-R) Jimmy Allan, Matt Dowling, Jarrrod Young and Hamish MacInnes.