Caulfield has pulled off a major signing ahead of the 2019 season, appointing the highly-credentialed Chris O'Keefe as its new playing senior coach.
O'Keefe joins the Bears with one of the most impressive football CVs around, having enjoyed remarkable team and individual success across his decorated playing and coaching career - including four premierships from seven grand final appearances.
Originally hailing from Bungaree, O'Keefe played TAC Cup football with North Ballarat Rebels before spending five seasons in the VFL with North Ballarat Roosters.
After moving to Melbourne to pursue work opportunities, the gun midfielder linked up with WRFL club Spotswood, where he played a pivotal role in the club's on-field success as both player and coach.
He spent six seasons at the club between 2008 and 2013, including two as an assistant coach (2009-10) and three as senior coach (2011-13), with the Woodsmen winning three premierships from six grand finals in that time.
From an individual perspective, O'Keefe was selected in the Western Region Team of the Year six times, won back to back Barry Priest Medals as League B&F in 2012-13 and was named the WRFL's coach of the Year in 2011.
O'Keefe returned to Bungaree in 2014, where he led the Demons to a premiership as playing assistant coach, represented the Central Highlands FL at interleague level and finished second in the league B&F across three seasons.
Most recently, O'Keefe has been at the helm of Albion in the WRFL in 2017-18.
With a wealth of premiership experience behind him, O'Keefe's leadership on and off the field will be a massive asset as the Bears look to break a 25-year premiership drought in 2019.
