Pies finalise coaching panel
Collingwood has completed its coaching panel for 2014 with the appointment of development coach Steve Grace.
Grace's arrival completes Collingwood's development coaching team, replacing the departed Mitch Hahn.
Having spent the last three years at Fremantle in a development role, Grace was tasked with nurturing the Dockers emerging stars as part of its young player academy, drawing on an educational nous crafted during his time as a teacher.
Prior to his stint at Fremantle Oval, Grace was head coach of TAC Cup side Oakleigh Chargers, playing a crucial role in fostering the talents of several draftees, including Collingwood’s Ben Sinclair and former top five pick Andrew Gaff.
Grace also boasts previous experience at VFL level, where he was Assistant Coach at the Northern Bullants and Sandringham Zebras.
He will join Craig McRae, Dale Tapping, Tarkyn Lockyer and Anthony Rocca in Collingwood's development coaching ranks.
Steve Grace's playing record
St Kilda under 19s - 1987-1988 (captain 1988)
Ormond Amateurs (VAFA) - 1989-1992 (premierships in 1989 and 1990; VAFA state representative 1989-1992)
Prahran (VFA) - 1993
Steve Grace's coaching record
Phillip Island - senior coach 1996
Ormond Amateurs (VAFA) - senior coach 1997-2000
Northern Bullants (VFL) – assistant coach 2002-2003
Sandringham Zebras (VFL) – assistant/development coach 2004-2007
Oakleigh Chargers (TAC Cup) – assistant coach 2008
Oakleigh Chargers (TAC Cup) – senior coach 2009-2010
Fremantle – development coach 2010-2013