David Willett Snr Coach 2022 - 2024

David Willett, who was playing-coach at Mt Eliza in 2009-10, has been Chelsea’s assistant coach in recent seasons. Willett, 41, hails from Corowa on the banks of the Murray River.

He played in Corowa Rutherglen’s 2000 premiership (alongside former Carlton coach David Teague) before making North Melbourne’s supp list.

Willett played for Glenelg in the SANFL for two years.

At 23, he was a playing-assistant coach at Wodonga Raiders.

Willett married Paul Hopgood’s sister and ended up at Mt Eliza, where he played nearly 200 games, attained life membership and was a member of the Redlegs’ team of the half century.

Willett also played at Rye in 2011 before another stint at Mt Eliza and then to Chelsea.

“I’ve been around a bit, know what footy’s about,” he said.

“The burning desire to be a non-playing coach was always there. It was just a matter of timing for me.

“I’m looking forward the challenge of trying to play finals.”

Chelsea president Michael Davis said the Seagulls spoke to “in excess of 20” coaching candidates and interviewed seven before appointing Willett in 2022.