RODNEY Eade will juggle a new business and media commitments in his return to football as coach of Eastern Football League powerhouse Balwyn in 2018.
The former Sydney, Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast coach's sons played at the Tigers, but it was his friendship with club president Richard Wilson that secured his appointment.
Wilson is a successful businessman and is serving as Melbourne Victory's interim chief executive as the A-League team seeks a replacement for one-time Essendon Football Club CEO Ian Robson.
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Daniel Gorringe and Henry Schade, who both played under Eade at the Suns, are among Balwyn's recruits.
Eade takes over from ex-Brisbane Lion-turned-player agent Marty Pask, who previously coached amateur club AJAX, where 2004 Port Adelaide premiership coach Mark Williams is in charge.
Wilson first approached the 59-year-old late last year then again last week, when the wheels were put in motion.
"I had to tick off a few things, time wise, more than anything, as to whether I had the time to do it and what the time requirements were," Eade told AFL.com.au.
"They're starting a bit of an academy with local lads around the area as well, so I'm certainly happy to help in that aspect and put something back into the local community."
Eade has started a business coaching venture with Geoff Slade, who he knows from his days coaching the Swans, where he provides mentoring in leadership, cultural change and teamwork.
The four-time premiership footballer has left the door ajar for a return to the AFL, where he most recently coached Gold Coast for the past three years, but is not actively looking.
Stuart Dew succeeded Eade as the Suns' coach in October.
"They seemed to go through a pretty lengthy process and reports on him are very positive, so I think he'll do well," Eade said of Dew.
"They're very young and they've gone younger again. I think their best 22 or 25 will be pretty competitive.
"Like in other years, if they get injuries, it will put them under pressure a bit, but I think they've proven with close to their best side in they can compete with teams and win games."
Another former Eade charge, Dockers star Harley Bennell, found himself in trouble again last week in a nightclub incident, but the coach is hopeful the former Sun can turn his life around.
"I found him quite an engaging lad," Eade said.
"Obviously, he had some issues and they've continued on, so I just hope for his sake he can get his act together, because he's got a lot of talent.
"I hope he can see that a footy career is the way to go for him."
Eade coached 377 games and for 17 seasons at AFL level, highlighted by leading Sydney to the 1996 Grand Final, as well as being Collingwood’s director of football before his Gold Coast stint.
