Essendon, Port Adelaide and Collingwood are also set to welcome back former stars of the respective AFL clubs, after announcing a number of exciting changes ahead of the new season. Tyson Goldsack will return to the Pies as an assistant coach in 2026, with fellow premiership winner Dean Solomon also stepping into an assistant role at the Bombers. While Jacob Surjan completes Port’s 2026 coaching panel and will lead the Power’s SANFL side next year.
Goldsack is a former fan favourite at Collingwood after winning the 2010 premiership with the Pies. And after spending the last six years at Port – most recently as an assistant to coach Ken Hinkley – he’ll return to the Magpies to work under head coach Craig McRae in 2026.
Dean Solomon (L) is now an assistant coach at Essendon, while Port have filled the void left by Tyson Goldsack’s (R) move to Collingwood. Image: Getty
“We are excited to have Tyson return to the Club as an assistant coach,” Collingwood EGM of Football Charlie Gardiner said about the appointment. “He is an outstanding person who has done a great apprenticeship at Port Adelaide over the past six years.”
“He is quickly developing a reputation as an excellent young coach and with a strong development background, he will be a terrific addition to our coaching group. We look forward to welcoming Goldy, his partner Chelsea and their children Harriet and Cleo back to the Club.”
Former Port Adelaide star Jacob Surjan (L) and Collingwood AFL premiership winner Tyson Goldsack (middle right) will return to their former clubs in exciting new roles in 2026. Pic: Getty
Goldsack played 13 seasons and 165 games for Collingwood before retiring from the club in 2019. He then joined Port in 2021 and worked predominantly as a development coach, before also leading the SANFL side as senior coach in 2023. The former defender has spent the last two seasons as Hinkley’s assistant at Port, and will commence his new role under McRae when Collingwood’s squad returns for pre-season in November.
Jacob Surjan completes Port Adelaide’s 2026 coaching panel
Goldsack’s departure from Port and Hinkley’s retirement have also sparked a major reshuffle at Port, with Surjan’s appointment completing their 2026 coaching panel under new head coach Josh Carr. Surjan has been added as a development coach and will lead the SANFL side. He joins senior assistant Stuart Dew, Hamish Hartlett, Darren Reeves and Luke Webster, who are also set to take on key roles under Carr next season.
Surjan played 121 games for the Power between 2004 and 2012, and became the club’s inaugural academy coach. He worked in development roles at Port before moving to North Adelaide in 2018 and eventually becoming head coach of the senior side in 2020, guiding them into two SANFL grand finals.
Former Port Adelaide player Jacob Surjan (L) is returning to the club in a development role and will lead the SANFL side in 2026. Pic: Getty
“We have a diverse group with significant experience which will lead and drive the AFL and SANFL programs,” Port Adelaide CEO Matthew Richardson said. “With the late change in the AFL panel, Darren Reeves will take ownership of the forwards and Hamish Hartlett will elevate into the important contest, stoppage and opposition role supporting Stuart Dew and the midfield.
“This created an opportunity with the SANFL program, and we are pleased to welcome Jacob Surjan back to the club to lead this important program. Jacob has been a successful SANFL coach leading North Adelaide to two grand finals and will bring great energy and passion for the SANFL program and the development of our players.”
RELATED:
Dean Solomon takes on assistant role at Essendon
Meanwhile, Essendon’s 2000 premiership winner Solomon will take control of the Bombers’ backline under senior coach Brad Scott, after stepping down from his board role with the club. Solomon played over 150 games for the Dons, and joins their backroom staff following strong support of the club’s new president, Andrew Welsh.
The Essendon president said after discussions with Scott, his coaching staff and the board, it was decided that Solomon would be most effective in an assistant role. “Solly needed to take a lot into consideration, including relocating from NSW, but after careful thought, he embraced the opportunity, and we were rapt that he accepted this role as an Assistant Coach to get back into the trenches and help fast-track the development of the team.”
Solomon says he’s ‘genuinely excited’ and honoured to take on the role, and confident the club is heading in the right direction. The Bombers endured a difficult end to the season, with captain and six-time club best and fairest Zach Merrett ultimately remaining after his hopes of securing a trade to Hawthorn fell through.