Carlton Football Club has finalised its AFL coaching structure for 2018, with John Barker being appointed to the role of Head of Strategy and High Performance.

Barker will work closely with senior coach Brendon Bolton in key strategic and growth areas of the football program and will drive the principles of the Club’s high performance department.

Newly appointed senior assistant coach Cameron Bruce will take the reins of the Club’s backline as well as overseeing training strategy and structure, while former Carlton player David Teague returns to Ikon Park looking after the Blues’ forward line.

After two years of leading the Club’s impressive backline, Dale Amos will take on the role of stoppages coach while Tim Clarke will continue to work with the Blues’ midfield.

Shane Watson moves to the newly created role of Head of Development, working closely with the Blues’ academy and the young defenders. In an expanded structure, the Blues welcome Brent Stanton and Jason Davenport to the full-time development coaching roles of VFL midfield and forward line respectively. After two years at the helm, Northern Blues VFL coach Josh Fraser will continue in his role.

Former Adelaide forward Matthew Bode arrives at the Club in the role of performance preparation coordinator, while Sav Rocca resumes his part-time role as goalkicking and ruck coach.

The coaching appointments follow the recent departures of Neil Craig, Andrew Walker and Mathew Capuano.

Head of Football Andrew McKay said the coaching panel would continue to drive high standards across a young playing group.

“The restructure of our coaching panel allows for a more streamlined approach with each assistant coach working with a development coach in their respective lines, providing the players greater opportunity to develop and improve,” McKay said.

“We are firm believers of developing people from within and the appointment of John into his new role is a reflection of his strengths in strategy and people management.

“We believe this coaching panel is a diverse group that will significantly benefit the development of our young playing list heading into the third season of the program under Brendon.”