Collingwood is pleased to announce the return of former development coach Brad Gotch to the club as an Academy Coach.

The 54-year-old will make his way back to Melbourne after spending the past three years as senior coach of South Adelaide Football Club in the SANFL.

Gotch’s playing career began in 1982 at Fitzroy Football Club and spanned 96 games over nine years at both Fitzroy and St Kilda football clubs.

A transition into coaching saw Gotch forge an extensive resume as senior coach at Williamstown Football Club during its alignment with both Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs, taking the side to finals on six occasions from 2002 to 2009 including the 2003 VFL premiership.

After his seven-year stint at Williamstown, Gotch also coached Casey Scorpions before joining Port Adelaide as an assistant coach in 2011 and then moving to the senior coach position at South Adelaide.

Interim GM of Football Marcus Wagner said the club was excited to welcome Gotch back to the Holden Centre.

“Brad has an infectious passion for football and coaching and we look forward to having him work closely with the players on our list,” Wagner said.

“The club is excited to welcome him back to the Collingwood family and are confident that his impressive level of experience in harnessing and developing talent will render him a perfect fit for the role.”