THE WESTERN Bulldogs have finalised their coaching structure for 2019, with Daniel Giansiracusa given the reins of the club's VFL side, Footscray.
Giansiracusa became a Dogs assistant coach upon his retirement at the end of 2014 and had most recently been in charge of stoppages and set plays.
"As part of his coaching pathway, it is important for Gia to coach his own senior team," coach Luke Beveridge told westernbulldogs.com.au.
"The timing is now right for him, and for the club, to provide the support he needs to help us be successful at both AFL and VFL level."
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Steve Grace, who had been in charge of the VFL team, will look after the senior side's midfield.
Joel Corey held that role last season but will take up the vacancy left by Giansiracusa as stoppages and set plays coach.
Steven King has been promoted to a senior assistant and will continue to control the defensive systems and backs while Ash Hansen has also taken another step, put in control of offensive systems, as well as the forwards he led this year.
Development manager Rohan Smith, opposition and development coach Jamie Maddocks and fellow development coach Jordan Russell make up the rest of the coaching panel.
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"With the changing landscape of the game and the various time constraints, it is necessary to restructure our workflows and maximise our opportunity to make us successful," Beveridge said.
"We are fortunate enough to have an established coaching group continue to support and develop our players for 2019."
