In 2021, ESSENDON received a significant commitment for Ben Rutten’s coaching staff and lured reigning Assistant Coach of the Year Daniel Giansiracusa from his long-standing club, the Western Bulldogs.
Giansiracusa has spent the past 21 seasons with the Bulldogs, 15 of which were used as 265 games and another six as assistant coaches, having immediately switched to roles after the 2014 season.
But just one week after winning the AFL Coaches’ Association Deputy Coach of the Year award, Giansiracusa will join Rutten’s coaching panel in 2021 and will oversee the club’s forward line for the next season.
The move is not believed to be related to Essendon’s ambitious play for Western Bulldogs premier player Josh Dunkley, despite the fact that it could assist the club in pursuing the contracted midfielder.
Dunkley, who has two years to close his deal with the Bulldogs, is considering an offer of a lucrative deal boldly submitted by the bombers but has not yet applied for trade outside the club.
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As reported by AFL.com.au. At the weekend, Essendon is also considering an offer for Dunkley’s younger brother Kyle, who was recently delisted after five senior games with the Melbourne Demons.
38-year-old Giansiracusa will join an Essendon Assistant Coaching Board under Rutten next season, including Blake Caracella, James Kelly, Dan Jordan, Leigh Tudor and Cameron Roberts.
“I am very grateful to Ben Rutten (head of football) Dan Richardson and the club for the opportunity to join a new club and continue my coaching career with the Bombers,” said Giansiracusa.
“Ben has a really clear vision of the football program he wants to lead into the 2021 season and there was a very clear alignment and similarity in our coaching philosophies.
“I would also like to thank Luke Beveridge and the Western Bulldogs for their longstanding support and wish them all the best in their upcoming preseason campaign.”
Giansiracusa will start his new role in November.
