Chris Mayne has returned to Fremantle with the former Dockers forward set to be announced as a development coach.
The West Australian confirmed on Tuesday that Mayne had departed his role at South Fremantle, where he was part of the Bulldogs’ premiership-winning coaching staff under first-year leader Craig White.
It is understood Mayne will work under former West Coast utility and forwards coach Jaymie Graham.
The 36-year-old played 172 games for Fremantle from 2008 to 2016, kicking 196 goals — the fifth-most in club history — before he joined Collingwood, where he rejuvenated his career as a wingman under Nathan Buckley.
Mayne finished his career at the Magpies, playing in the losing 2018 grand final to West Coast before retiring in 2021 after 76 games at the club.
He then returned to Western Australia where he was the director of football and head coach at Trinity College before he made the transition to an assistant coach at South Fremantle ahead of the 2024 season.
It included playing a part in the Bulldogs’ incredible 2025 season, in which the club lost only one match and defeated East Perth by two points in a thrilling decider late last month.
Camera IconChris Mayne has returned to Fremantle with the former Dockers forward set to be announced as a development coach. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Media
Mayne’s role is likely to include at Fremantle’s WAFL affiliate Peel Thunder alongside fellow development coaches Tendai Mzungu, Sam Naismith and Andrew Sturgess under head of development Geoff Valentine.
He will work closely with the likes of young forwards Charlie Nicholls and Isaiah Dudley alongside Graham, one of the most respected assistants in the league.