A pair of premiership minds are stepping into the coaches box.
Richmond triple-premiership hero Dion Prestia has taken up a role at Hawthorn, while Brisbane fan favourite Oscar McInerney will join St Kilda.
Prestia, who finished his playing career in 2026 after a brilliant 254-game AFL career, will start as a development coach.
“We welcome Dion to the brown and gold and congratulate him on his appointment as our newest AFL Development Coach,” Hawthorn general manager Rob McCartney said.
“Across his 16-year playing career, Dion was widely respected as a player who demonstrated discipline, toughness and competitiveness – all characteristics that we believe will make our environment better as he begins his coaching journey.
“As a three-time premiership player fresh out of the game, Dion brings a great understanding as to the current demands of the game and a level of relatability that our players can connect with.”
McInerney finished his career at the end of 2025, sailing off into the sunset with a fairytale premiership.
After playing a season of suburban football, McInerney joins the Saints as a ruck coach.
McInerney said he couldn’t wait to work with Tom De Koning and Alex Dodson.
“I’m looking forward to working with Tom as he approaches the prime years of his career and sharing what I learnt from playing in and helping lead a successful ruck group,” McInerney said.
“Alex is clearly a highly talented player who’s been developing nicely at VFL level, and I’m excited to help refine his ruck craft so he can take the next step and contribute regularly at AFL level.
“Watching from afar, it was clear the Saints took significant steps forward through the midfield and around clearances this season, and I’m eager to contribute to that continued improvement in 2027.”
Originally published as AFL 2026: Richmond premiership hero Dion Prestia is stepping into coaching