Graeme Yeats has joined the Port Melbourne Colts Football Club as Senior Men’s Coach on a two-year term. After an extensive recruitment process and a number of outstanding applicants, Yeats was secured to lead the Colts in 2021 and beyond. A re-build of the list in 2019 and subsequent Division 1 finals appearance and finals win led by outgoing Senior Coach Lindsay Gilbee, positions the playing squad for a strong 2021 in the Southern Football Netball League’s premier division.
Port Melbourne Colts President Stephen Duvnjak was delighted to welcome Yeats to the club. “Graeme is an outstanding appointment for our Football club. Not only does he bring a wealth of elite football experience from his time in the AFL and VFL systems as a player and coach, but his development coach experience across both AFL and TAC Cup programmes, coupled with his most recent 5 years in local football clearly illustrated his ability to nurture talent and drive positive on field outcomes. Graeme has most recently lead Edithvale-Aspendale to the MPNFL finals in four of five seasons during his tenure with the club.”
Duvnjak also took the opportunity to sing the praises of outgoing Senior Coach and former AFL superstar Lindsay Gilbee who stood down from the role due to family and work commitments. “Whilst I have congratulated and welcome Graeme, I would also like to thank Lindsay who has played a critical leadership role in our list re-build and successful on field performances in 2019. Unfortunately, Covid-19 meant we didn’t get to see the full impact of Lindsay’s efforts in 2020 however, his contribution to our professionalism and culture cannot be underestimated.”
Yeats’ playing and coaching career is impressive. 182 VFL/AFL games with the Melbourne Football Club between 1984 and 1995, including best first year player in 1984, a VFL Grand Final appearance in 1988, Melbourne Football Club Life Membership status in 1993 and a VFA Premiership in 1996 are playing highlights; whilst as a Coach he has led and assisted teams across five leagues - the AFL, VFL, VFA, TAC Cup and MPNFL.
Yeats was excited to commit to the Colts. “I continue to hear great things about the Colts and after five great years with the Eagles in the MPNFL, I’m excited to take the reins from Lindsay and steer this side to more success in the SFNL. I was thoroughly impressed with the recruitment process and strategic discussions that were had and thank the Port Melbourne Colts selection panel and committee for placing their confidence in me over the next two years.”
Yeats will officially commence in the role this month with pre-season to commence under COVID-safe guidelines when further details are released by the state government.
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Former Edithvale-Aspendale coach Graeme Yeats will coach Port Melbourne Colts in 2021.[/caption]
Graeme Yeats Football Resume
- 182 VFL/AFL games – Melbourne Football Club (45 goals, 21 Brownlow votes)
- 1984 Harold Ball Memorial Trophy – Melbourne Football Club Best First Year Player
- 1988 VFL Grand Finalist – Melbourne Football Club, VFL
- 1993 – Life Member Status – Melbourne Football Club, AFL
- 1996 – Playing Assistant Coach & Premiership Player – Springvale Football Club, VFA
- 1997 – Reserves Assistant Coach & Senior Runner – Melbourne Football Club, AFL
- 1999 - 2000 – Senior Coach – Sandringham Football Club, VFA
- 2000 – VFA Premiership Coach – Sandringham Football Club
- 2001 - 2003 – Development Coach – Melbourne Football Club, AFL
- 2004 - 2013 – Senior Coach – Dandenong Stingrays, TAC Cup
- 2015 - 2019 – Senior Coach – Edithvale-Aspendale Football Club, MPNFL
- 2021 – Senior Coach – Port Melbourne Colts Football Club, SFNL
