A few eyebrows were raised when the name Shane Watson was called out as part of Carlton’s new coaching panel – but no, it’s not the cricketer who played 59 tests for Australia!
New assistant coach Shane Watson arrives at the Blues from Arden Street, taking up the position of Carlton’s forward line coach.
For the past six years Watson has been an assistant coach at North Melbourne specialising in defense, and most recently, the forward line.
The 41-year-old started his coaching career at Lower Plenty in the Diamond Valley Football League in 2005. After a season there, he moved into an assistant coaching role at the Sandringham Dragons (TAC Cup) in 2006, before landing the role of senior coach at the Eastern Ranges – a position he held for three years.
Shane Watson is #BoundByBlue. (Photo: Carlton Football Club)
Watson says his approach to coaching is a holistic one that involves developing players as people as well as footballers.
“I love the development aspect of it having coached the under 18s and bringing that into the AFL style of football,” Watson said.
“So (I have) a development focus and making sure that when players leave Carlton at the end of their careers they’ve developed as a player and an individual as well.”
In addition to his coaching experience, Watson has also played at the highest level. He ran out 141 times for Collingwood between 1992 and 2000.
Coaching record:
Northern Bullants playing assistant coach: 2001-2003
Lower Plenty head coach: 2005
Sandringham Dragons/Vic. Metro assistant coach: 2006
Eastern Ranges head coach: 2007-2009
North Melbourne assistant coach (backline): 2010-2013
North Melbourne assistant coach (forwards): 2013-2015
