Littlejohn To Lead Hawks

Zane Littlejohn will join Hawthorn in a dual role as its Development Coach and Box Hill’s Senior Coach ahead of the 2023 season.

The 36-year-old has spent the last six years at the Brisbane Lions both as a Development Coach and Head Coach of the Lions Academy.

Since arriving at the Lions in 2017, Littlejohn has built a strong reputation with his emphasis on player development and building culture.

He also has state league coaching experience in Tasmania, with his team North Launceston, winning back-to-back flags.

As Hawthorn’s Development Coach, Littlejohn will lead the development of the clubs playing list, with a specific focus on developing the clubs first to fifth year players.  

As part of the role, he will also take on the job of Box Hill Senior Coach.

Hawthorn GM – VFL & VFLW Daniel Napoli said Littlejohn’s passion and unrelenting desire to develop his players made him a perfect fit for the role. 

“Zane sees the game really well and has had experience coaching his own side at state league level,” Napoli said.

“He is also a qualified teacher who has a demonstrated ability to develop athletes into better players and people.

“Aside from his impressive resume, Zane also brings a great enthusiasm and energy, along with a genuine love for the game.”

Hawthorn Head of Football Rob McCartney acknowledged the appointment was another important step in strengthening the bond between Hawthorn and Box Hill.

“Zane’s coaching and development pedigree allows us to return to the highly successful model of having the Box Hill coach full-time in our Hawthorn program,” McCartney said.

“With Hawthorn drafting several Box Hill-listed players across the years, we have seen the benefit of the relationship and I have full faith in Zane’s ability to further strengthen our Hawthorn-Box Hill connection.

“This role allows Zane to run his own program at Box Hill and to have an eye over the entirety of our young cohort’s development which we see as really important.

“As a club we are focused on developing a new wave of talent to build us to our next premiership and Zane’s role will be crucial in this.”

Littlejohn said he was thrilled to be joining the club.

“To get an opportunity to work with Hawthorn – a big Melbourne club – alongside the likes of Sam Mitchell, Andy Collins and the other coaches, it’s obviously really exciting,” Littlejohn said.

“I’ve loved my time at Brisbane, but I think a new challenge is something that is really appeals to me.

“The opportunity to be part of the Box Hill program, which has a great connection to the Hawthorn, is something that I can’t wait to be involved with.

“I’m looking forward to working with a pretty young list who are going to need a bit of time and energy to develop. I feel like one of my real weapons is my ability to develop a player so that’s really enticing.”