Hawthorn Football Club is pleased to announce Chris Newman will take over as senior coach of Box Hill Hawks.

Newman joined Hawthorn in October 2015 as a Development Coach after retiring from Richmond Football Club where he played 268 games over a career that spanned 15 years.

GM – Football Operations Chris Fagan said:

“This is a great achievement for Chris after a very successful transition from playing to coaching.

“Obviously he was a highly skilled and experienced player and we believe he will be an excellent fit at Box Hill.

“Chris has excelled at building relationships with players and coaching staff since coming on board as a development coach and has a genuine love and interest for coaching.

“He brings with him a high level of knowledge and expertise about the game which will serve him well in his new role."

Former Box Hill Coach Marco Bello will move into the role of Head of Development Academy at Hawthorn.

“Marco has done a terrific job at Box Hill for the last three years, coaching the side to successive Grand Final appearances in 2014 and 2015.

“I am sure he will bring the same level of commitment and passion to his new role with our academy,” said Fagan.

Rob McCartney, previous Head of the Development Academy, will return to teaching as principal of Shepparton primary school where he had previously spent eight years.

“Rob has been a great addition to the club, both as a development coach and head of our academy, and we thank him for his commitment over the past two years.

“The club wishes him all the best as he returns to his teaching roots.”