MELBOURNE is pleased to announce that Craig Jennings will coach the team in the upcoming AFLX series

Melbourne will play Carlton, North Melbourne and potentially a Grand Final in the new football format on Friday, February 16 at Etihad Stadium.


Simon Goodwin and Craig Jennings look on at training on Thursday (Photo: Matthew Goodrope)

General manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said it was another stepping stone for Jennings’ coaching career.

“We see the coaching role of our AFLX team as a great development opportunity for our staff,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“Craig Jennings, as strategy and education coordinator for our AFL team, is well placed for this role in a game that is new, exciting and innovative.

“Simon [Goodwin] will continue to oversee the football program and prepare our players for the AFL season.”

Jennings, now in his third season as a member of Melbourne’s coaching staff, said it was an honour to coach the club.

“It’s a privilege to coach Melbourne in any official AFL game. I’m excited by the AFLX concept and understand the direction the AFL is heading with it,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“I need to acknowledge Josh Mahoney, Simon Goodwin, who I’ve worked with for seven years across two clubs, for entrusting me with the responsibility of this position. I’d also like to acknowledge all the assistant coaches at the club. We are an extremely tight-knit coaching team, and it’s a privilege to work with them and learn from them every day.

“I’m grateful to the Melbourne Football Club and the AFLCA who have played a proactive part in strategically developing my coaching career. They have supported my coaching development, most recently with a study tour to the United States, which included visits to NBA and NFL teams and the Navy Seals.”

Jennings joined Melbourne in September 2015. A former North Melbourne under 19s premiership and reserves player, Jennings spent nine years with Swinburne University, before joining Essendon for 10 years.

He worked closely with Goodwin, McCartney and Egan at the Bombers.

In 2015, Jennings worked with Luke Beveridge in the coaches’ box at the Western Bulldogs.

Jennings has a master of management in sports management, a post graduate certificate in teaching and learning (higher education) and three AFL executive certificates in coaching, player development and football operations (list management).

He has also completed extensive study tours throughout the Middle East, Europe and the USA.