The appointment follows Grant’s decision earlier this month to leave the Frankston Dolphins, the team he coached through the 2009 season.
Grant retired in 2008 after playing over 300 AFL games, and Essendon’s football manager Paul Hamilton said the recent playing experience was a big factor in Grant’s appointment.
"He has a good football brain, is a hard worker and enjoyed a successful AFL career so we think he is a good fit for Bendigo,” Hamilton said.
"One of the big attractions with Shannon is that he is fresh out of playing AFL football which will help him relate well with the players.
"His role will be to assist with the development of Essendon's younger players and work closely with the Bendigo staff and playing list.”
Grant said he was looking forward to the job of preparing players not only for VFL football, but for the level above as well.
"It's a pretty important role for both clubs and I will work closely with both groups," he said.
"In the last 12 to 24 months at Frankston and the Kangaroos I really enjoyed working with the kids and seeing their development was satisfying.”
Grant replaces Adrian Hickmott who has accepted a full-time development role with Essendon.
