Josh Bruce has been appointed as a development coach for the Western Bulldogs' AFL Women's side, which he will pursue during the 2022 season alongside his recovery from the ruptured ACL that cost him a shot at this year's AFL premiership.
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The former Eastlake junior was one of several new appointments to head coach Nathan Burke's staff, announced on Wednesday, which also includes recently retired St Kilda defender Dylan Roberton and Eastern Rangers assistant James Kennedy.
Bruce will team up with development coach Kirby Bentley for the forthcoming AFLW season, scheduled to begin in early January.
"I'm in there [at the club] three days a week and I've been coaching the AFLW girls as well on a Monday night," Bruce told The Canberra Times last month.
"It was a transitional period between my training and their training."
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The 29-year-old was the Bulldogs' leading goalkicker in 2021, before injuring his knee in round 21 and being forced to miss his club's remarkable run to the grand final.
He underwent surgery, and was stuck in Melbourne as his teammates traveled the country and earned a shot in the decider, before going down to the Demons.
His rehabilitation is ahead of schedule, but Bruce will still likely miss almost all of the first half of next season.
After moving to the Bulldogs at the end of 2019 he has become a universally respected clubman, and has even ducked into the office on occasion during his recovery to help the staff pack merchandise orders.
The Bulldogs' head of women's football, Debbie Lee, was excited by the knowledge and experience Bruce would bring to the program.
"To have people of this calibre join our AFLW program for season 2022 is great, not only for our players but for our entire program," Lee said.
"It's been extremely pleasing to welcome our new additions to the Kennel, having officially started pre-season last week. Led by 'Burkey', we're extremely confident in our coaching panel and believe the program will benefit greatly moving forward."
Meanwhile, assistant Ash Hansen has left the Bulldogs to join the newly appointed Michael Voss's coaching staff at Carlton.
Hansen spent nine seasons at the Bulldogs and led the club to the 2016 VFL premiership, the same season it claimed a drought-breaking AFL flag.
He has worked closely with Bruce for the last two seasons as the Bulldogs' forwards coach.
"It's with a heavy heart that I leave the Bulldogs, after a memorable nine seasons," Hansen said.
"The time has come for me to try a new challenge in my coaching journey, and I wish everyone at the Bulldogs success and happiness in the years to come."
Bulldogs head coach Luke Beveridge paid tribute to his departing deputy.
"Ash has been a loyal, dedicated and extremely talented member of our coaching ranks for an extended period, and we're grateful for his contribution to the Club," Beveridge said.
"We're disappointed to lose someone like Ash, but we understand his want to build on his coaching experience."
James Buckley
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
