Fremantle has confirmed the appointment of Jade Rawlings as new backline coach for the next three seasons following the departure of Matthew Boyd.
Rawlings joins Justin Longmuir’s AFL coaching panel, alongside Jaymie Graham (forwards), Joel Corey (midfield) and Harry Garland (stoppages).
The 47-year-old has vast coaching experience in the AFL and has spent the past four seasons as senior coach of Norwood in the SANFL, guiding his side to the 2022 premiership and to the 2024 grand final.
Rawlings has been part of coaching panels at Brisbane, Richmond, Melbourne and North Melbourne following a 148-game AFL career with Hawthorn, Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne.
Fremantle Executive General Manager of Football Joe Brierty says the Club is excited to add Rawlings to the coaching department.
“Following a thorough process to find the best possible candidate, it is exciting for our Club to appoint someone with Jade’s knowledge and experience across the football industry,” said Brierty.
“Jade’s ability to build strong relationships and get the very best out the players he has coached will complement our coaching department.
“As a senior coach in recent years - and backline coach during his times as an assistant - Jade has shown he will be able to provide a fresh lens to our game plan and complement what we’ve been able to embed in recent seasons.
“We look forward to welcoming Jade, his partner Sallee and children to the Freo family.”
Rawlings says he’s excited to return to a high performance environment at Fremantle.
“After a few years away from the AFL system, the more I thought about Fremantle - it just seemed like a perfect fit in so many ways,” said Rawlings.
“I like the way the Club goes about things, where they are headed and the stability of key leaders off the field as well.”
Rawlings says he first met Fremantle senior coach Justin Longmuir at a Level 4 AFL coaching course and is looking forward to being part of his team.
“I struck up an instant connection with Justin and I like everything he stands for as a coach,” said Rawlings.
“The backline is my passion area and I can’t wait to work with some outstanding players at Fremantle and the aim is to help them take their game to another level.”
