Matt Spangher walks out on Western Bulldogs on eve of AFL pre-season to join Hawthorn

AFL premiership-winning cult hero Matt Spangher is returning to Hawthorn after walking out on the Western Bulldogs on the eve of pre-season.

Spangher is reuniting with 2014 flag teammate Sam Mitchell at Dingley as Head of Football Strategy and Projects.

A Bulldogs forwards coach since 2022, Spangher informed Dogs hierarchy only late last week.

It means the club’s first-to-fourth year players return to pre-season today without a forward line coach.

The late move from Spangher has left the Bulldogs scrambling to find a replacement with obvious targets already locked in at opposition clubs.

The forwards coach position at the Bulldogs looms as one of the most pivotal next season with the emergence of young superstar Sam Darcy playing alongside Aaron Naughton and the returning Cody Weightman.

“Matt built a great connection with our staff and players during his time at the Bulldogs, in particular with our forwards group,” Bulldogs coaching boss Matt Egan said.

“He has a real passion for relationships and developing people, something our players really benefited from, and they will take his lessons into the future.

“While it is always disappointing to lose good people, this was an exciting opportunity for Matt in an elevated and strategic role at Hawthorn.

“We wish him all the best for his next chapter and thank him for his contribution to our football program over four years.”

Spangher’s new role at the Hawks is seen as a wider football department position rather than pure coaching.

“First and foremost, welcoming a person of Matt’s calibre back to Hawthorn immediately adds to our high-performing culture,” football boss Rob McCartney said in a club statement.

“Matt will take a leading role in key strategic projects across all areas of our football department. The opportunity to bring someone in with his character into our football program is very exciting.

“As we begin our first season at the Kennedy Community Centre and at a time when every football club is looking to find an edge, we see Matt’s appointment as critical in our pursuit of success.”

Spangher is now the fourth 2014 Hawks premiership player employed by the club after Mitchell, midfield coach David Hale and recruiter Jarryd Roughead.

Forward Jack Gunston remains on the list and a crucial part of the forward line.