North Melbourne has added more experience to its coaching lineup with Jared Rivers crossing to the club from Collingwood.
Currently coach of the Pies’ VFL side, Rivers will join Rhyce Shaw’s panel as defensive coach for the 2020 season and beyond.
“I was really impressed at the way Rhyce talked about the footy club and the direction they’re going so it was a no brainer to take the opportunity,” Rivers said.
“I’m really looking forward to it, it’s great to get the opportunity at North. They’ve got a really exciting list and a really good brand of footy which Rhyce has brought into the program since he got the job.”
Rivers brings a wealth of experience both as a player and coach.
“I’ve been at Collingwood for four years now, three of those as VFL head coach, so I’ve definitely learnt so much in those years looking after the VFL program and contributing to both AFL and VFL,” he said.
“I have played in the backline the majority of my footy career so I feel like I have a really good understanding of how that works. Speaking to Rhyce about his defensive principles and the style that he wants to play at North, I think we both got a really good understanding of how we want to defend next year and beyond.
“It’s a really good fit I think and we’ve got a good focus on philosophy and teaching so really can’t wait to get going.”
Shaw said acquiring someone of Rivers’ calibre is a huge boost.
“A key focus for us to identify and target quality people who have had experience coaching their own sides, and Jared ticks all the boxes,” he said.
“We are putting together an experienced and dynamic group.
“Jared will be a super fit for us and we are really excited about having him on board with us.”
A highly-regarded defender in his playing days, Rivers had 194 games with Melbourne (150) and Geelong (44), and juggled coaching roles at Xavier College and Geelong's VFL team while completing the AFLPA's Next Coach Program before retiring in 2015.
The 34-year-old was quick to join the coaching ranks as a development coach at Collingwood and was promoted a year later to the role of VFL coach for the 2017 season. He led the club to back-to-back elimination finals.
