After eight seasons as a Geelong player, James Rahilly returned to Kardinia Park in 2008 to begin his coaching journey.
The South Warrnambool product started in a part-time development coaching role, responsible for working with the Cats' first and second-year players.
Under Rahilly's tutelage at the time were the 2006 and 2007 draft intakes, including a handy trio who have since gone onto a combined 864 AFL games, 11 All Australian jackets, seven premiership medals, four Carji Greeves medals and one Coleman medal.
“To see the careers they’ve had is pretty special.”
Rahilly moved into a full-time assistant coaching role when Chris Scott took the reins in 2011, a year in which Geelong won the AFL premiership.
“It was great to be a part of a couple of premierships there and relative success along the way in a few different roles as a forward line coach, the midfield,” Rahilly said.
“I did a lot of opposition and strategy as well and the last few years have been Head of Development as the academy manager.”
As Geelong’s Head of Development, the list of students developed from humble beginnings under Rahilly's tutelage is impressive.
“Geelong hasn’t had many early draft picks, so we really focused on those guys over the last few years and tried develop them as best we could,” he said.
“Guys like Jack Henry, Gryan Miers, Mark O’Connor. All guys who are rookie list players or Category B rookies.
“(Also) the guys like Tom Stewart and Sam Menegola, these older draftees that have really come on and helped Geelong.”
Rahilly was full of praise for Chris Scott and the influence he has had on him, from his game day coaching and tactics to his communication skills.
He also said he learned plenty from his former Geelong colleagues Nigel Lappin, Matthew Knights, Matthew Scarlett, Corey Enright and Shane O’Bree.
Now in a new role at West Lakes, Rahilly is excited to be learning from a new group of players and coaches and building relationships with everyone at Adelaide.
“That was one of the reasons I was keen to come over – just to learn off new people and be part of creating a new environment here,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to getting started.”
