Corey Enright returns to Geelong as assistant coach after missing Carlton job

Geelong champion Corey Enright is returning to the Cattery as an assistant coach.

Enright won three premierships across his 322-game playing career with the Cats, which included two best and fairests and six All-Australians.

He remained at Geelong as a development coach after his retirement from playing in 2016 before eventually being elevated as an assistant coach.

The 45-year-old was lured to St Kilda ahead of the 2022 season, where he initially coached the Saints’ backline before becoming Ross Lyon’s right-hand man as head of gameplan and strategy two years ago.

Enright was among the shortlist of favourites to win the Carlton senior coaching job before Josh Fraser’s incredible run as Blues interim made him an irresistible choice to succeed Michael Voss, who was sacked in May.

He would have been in the mix again for a senior gig had he chose to pursue the North Melbourne vacancy, but has instead decided to go back home to the Cattery.

“We’re excited to have Corey return to the club and join our experienced coaching group,” Geelong head of footy Andrew Mackie said.

“Over the past five years, Corey has continued to develop and broaden his coaching experience across a range of roles. He has a proven ability to build strong relationships, along with an outstanding understanding of the game.

“We look forward to the impact Corey will have on our football program as we turn our attention to 2027.”

Enright joins an all-star quality coaching panel at Geelong, which includes senior coach Chris Scott, who is widely viewed as one of the best coaches this century; Nathan Buckley, who took Collingwood to a grand final in 2018; and James Kelly and James Rahilly, who were both contenders for the Carlton and Essendon vacancies earlier this year.

Nigel Lappin, who has long been considered the gold standard in development, is departing the Cats after 18 years to join Tasmania.