Essendon have continued their off-field shake-up in pursuit of long-awaited AFL finals success with the addition of experienced strategist David Rath to their football department.
Rath was one of the architects behind Hawthorn's premiership hat-trick last decade and has spent more than two decades in the football industry.
He is currently part of Eddie Jones' staff with the Wallabies, serving as a learning coordinator, and will join the Bombers after the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup campaign.
Rath has been appointed as Essendon's coaching innovation and game strategy manager to work alongside head coach Brad Scott.
"I have always held Essendon in high regard and the opportunity to join the club as it moves into a new era is a really exciting opportunity," Rath said in a club statement.
"I've loved my time with Eddie Jones and the Wallabies, but AFL is my passion and love and I look forward to working with Brad and his team to give the players the best opportunity to win."
Rath served as the AFL's head of coaching and innovation before spending the last three years as St Kilda's head of football.
Essendon have also appointed Ben Robbins as head of psychology and wellbeing.
Robbins has spent the past four years at St Kilda and previously worked with Bombers coach Scott at North Melbourne, where he served for five seasons as a mentor in the club's leadership program.
The latest additions come in a further shake-up of Essendon's off-field staff as Scott and chief executive Craig Vozzo focus on bringing stability to the club.
The Bombers are yet to appoint a replacement for departed football boss Josh Mahoney, while veteran list manager Adrian Dodoro will step back from his role after the national draft.
Former West Coast and Gold Coast player Matt Rosa was last month appointed Essendon's talent and operations manager.
