Collingwood is pleased to announce that Steve Grace has been promoted to the role of assistant coach for the 2015 AFL season.

Grace, who will assume responsibility for the Magpies forward line, joins Robert Harvey, Scott Burns and Ben Hart by the side of senior coach Nathan Buckley.

Arriving at Collingwood from Fremantle at the end of the 2013 season, Grace was a member of Collingwood’s development coaching team in 2014.

Prior to his three year stint as a forwards development coach with the Dockers, Grace was head coach of TAC Cup side Oakleigh Chargers (2009-2010), where he played a role in fostering the talents of Collingwood’s Ben Sinclair and West Coast’s  Andrew Gaff, among others.

His experience also includes coaching at VFL level, where he was an assistant coach with Sandringham during the Zebra’s triple premiership run between 2004-2007, and success with Ormond in the VAFA and Phillip Island.

“It’s a real thrill and a great opportunity to work in a new role with a club with such history and such an obvious drive to succeed,” Grace said.
“There is an unmistakeable hunger for success about the place that is inspiring.”

Grace holds degrees in physical education and sociology and an associate degree in sport and business (high performance). He taught in the private school system for two decades.

Collingwood Director of Football, Rodney Eade, said that with a rich and varied education as a coach Grace was able to make a strong impression at the Westpac Centre in his first season.

“Steve really distinguished himself as part of our development team this season,” Eade said.

“He is a fantastic instructor of the game, finals football has followed him and he has been a part of some really strong football programs. Given the young profile of our playing list we felt he was the ideal fit for our assistant coaching team.”

With Grace’s appointment, Collingwood also confirms the departure of Matthew Lappin, who previously held the role of forwards assistant coach.

‘Skinny’ Lappin was a popular figure at the Westpac Centre for four years.

“The club passes on its sincerest thanks to Matthew and everyone at Collingwood wishes him the best of luck in the future,” Eade said.