Hawthorn Assistant Coach David Mackay has been recognised for his efforts by the AFL Coaches Association.
Hawthorn Assistant Coach – Structure & Opposition, David Mackay has been named the 2025 AFL Coaches Association Development Coach of the Year.
Mackay initially joined Box Hill at the end of 2021 to lead the Hawks Academy and serve as a VFL Assistant Coach.
He then crossed to Hawthorn’s AFLW coaching staff as its Midfield Coach from 2022 to 2023, while also playing a role within the club’s AFL team.
After splitting his duties across both programs, Mackay transitioned to a full-time AFL Development Coach in 2024 before moving into his current position as Assistant Coach – Structure & Opposition.
As part of his role, Mackay also mentors a number of emerging Hawthorn midfielders, impressing with his leadership, communication and expertise.
Before his coaching journey, Mackay notched up 248 games for Adelaide across 15 years.
He retired at the end of the 2021 season with the ninth-most games in the Crows’ history.