Veteran Collingwood midfielder Shane O’Bree will join the Gold Coast SUNS as an assistant coach following his retirement last week.

O’Bree commenced his career in 1998 with the Brisbane Lions where he played 19 games in two seasons before being traded to Collingwood at the end of 1999.

He played 246 games for Collingwood and was an integral part of their 2002 and 2003 grand final teams. He is one of only 30 players in history to play 200 VFL/AFL games for the Magpies.

Originally drafted from Beaufort in country Victoria, O’Bree’s consistency over the course of his career is highlighted by top five finishes in the club’s Best & Fairest three times and in the top ten another four times. He was also the recipient of the Darren Millane award in 2006 as best clubman.

Gold Coast SUNS Coach Guy McKenna said he had worked closely with O’Bree in his previous role as an assistant coach at Collingwood and regarded him very highly.

“O’Bree was a leader and on field mentor of a young Collingwood midfield which has developed and flourished over the past two years,” he said.

“Fresh out of the game after a fantastic playing career, his knowledge and understanding of the midfield roles makes him an ideal fit as a midfield coach. We are very pleased he has accepted the role and will join our club to work with our young talented list,” he said.

O’Bree said he was looking forward to the opportunity of working with the young talent assembled by the SUNS and the challenge of being part of a new AFL franchise.

He joins McKenna and the Gold Coast SUNS assistant coaches Ken Hinkley, Shaun Hart and Dean Solomon from mid October.