2 September, 2026
Collegians Football Club is delighted to welcome Jarrod Gieschen as our Senior Men’s Head Coach for the 2027 season, becoming just the 30th Senior Men’s Coach in the Club’s proud 135-year history.
Jarrod takes the reins at an exciting time for Collegians, with the Lions returning to VAFA Premier A following an extraordinary undefeated 2026 premiership campaign.
Bringing extensive experience as both a player and coach, Jarrod has a strong understanding of VAFA football, proven leadership qualities and a passion for developing successful football environments built on strong relationships, high standards and a connected playing group.
An Experienced Football Leader
Jarrod enjoyed an accomplished playing career with Old Ivanhoe, representing the Club at senior level in both A and B Grade between 2001 and 2012, including being part of its 2005 premiership side.
He also spent time with Port Melbourne in the VFL in 2001 and was recognised for his football achievements through selection in Ivanhoe Grammar's Team of the Century.
Following his playing career, Jarrod served as Senior Coach of Old Ivanhoe from 2018 to 2025, gaining extensive experience in developing players, building strong club cultures and leading senior football programs.
Most recently, Jarrod was appointed Head Coach of the VAFA Big V B-Division 3 representative side in 2026, where he coached several Collegians players in a successful representative campaign against the Goulburn Valley.
Away from football, Jarrod holds a senior professional leadership position as Director of Sales & Marketing at Mazda Australia, bringing valuable experience in leadership, communication and organisational management.
Building on a Remarkable 2026 Season
Jarrod joins Collegians following one of the most successful seasons in the Club's recent history.
The Senior Men completed an undefeated campaign to claim the B Grade premiership and secure promotion to Premier A, while the Reserves narrowly missed out on a premiership of their own. Our Under 19s also claimed a premiership, and the Women's program continued its impressive development with nine victories throughout the season.
Having watched the Club's success from the outside, Jarrod was particularly impressed by the strength of the entire football program.
"Firstly, I wanted to say how excited and honoured I am to be taking on the role of Senior Coach at Collegians Football Club. It's a Club with such a proud, successful history and one that is universally respected throughout the VAFA community.
"I'd also like to congratulate everyone involved in what was an outstanding 2026 season. Watching from the outside, what impressed me most wasn't just what the senior group achieved, but the way they went about it.
"To have the Reserves narrowly miss out on a premiership, the Under 19s win a flag and the Women's team continue to make great progress with nine wins shows the strength of the entire football club.
"It's clear that Collegians is in a great place, and that's one of the main reasons I'm so excited about the opportunity ahead."
Jarrod's connection with the Club was further strengthened through his involvement with the VAFA representative program in 2026.
"I was fortunate enough to coach a number of Collegians players as part of the Big V representative team this year. Their standards, behaviours and the way they represented themselves and their Club were first class.
"They were also fantastic people who had a great impact on our win against the Goulburn Valley."
A Focus on Relationships, Standards and Development
Central to Jarrod's coaching philosophy is the belief that successful football clubs are built on strong relationships, clear expectations and a genuine connection between everyone involved.
His approach places an emphasis on building trust with players, maintaining high standards of preparation and accountability, and creating an enjoyable environment where both established and emerging players are supported and challenged to improve.
Importantly, Jarrod recognises the foundations already established at Collegians and is committed to building on the work of the existing football program.
"Since my appointment, the support and welcome I've received from everyone I've spoken to has been fantastic. It's given me an early appreciation of why Collegians is such a respected Club, with such a proud history and strong community.
"I also want to acknowledge the work Jordie, the coaching group, players and everyone involved have done to put the Club in such a strong position.
"My approach isn't about coming in and making drastic changes. It's about building on what's already been established, continuing to drive high standards and finding ways we can keep improving."
Looking Ahead to Premier A in 2027
The return to Premier A presents an exciting challenge for Collegians, with the Senior Men set to compete against the strongest clubs in the VAFA.
Jarrod believes the experience within the playing group, combined with the Club's emerging talent and established culture, provides a strong foundation for the season ahead.
"We know the competition in 2027 will be significant, but that's something I'm really looking forward to.
"The opportunity to challenge ourselves against the best and continue to grow as a football club is what makes footy so exciting.
"Many of our players have proven themselves at the highest level in Premier A and know the standard required to be competitive. That will hold us in really good stead."
Beyond the football field, Jarrod is equally focused on strengthening the connections that make Collegians such a special community.
"One thing I've learnt throughout my coaching career is that successful football clubs are built on good people, strong relationships and a genuine connection between the players, coaches, supporters and everyone who contributes behind the scenes.
"Over the coming weeks, I'm looking forward to meeting as many people around the Club as possible as we begin preparing for next season.
"I'm extremely excited about what lies ahead and will be doing everything I can, alongside the players, coaches and broader Collegians community, to make 2027 another great year for the Club.
"I look forward to seeing you all around the Club soon."
Jarrod Gieschen (Giesch)
Senior Men's Head Coach – Collegians Football Club
Welcome to the Collegians Family
As Jarrod begins this exciting new chapter, we also look forward to welcoming his wife Samantha, their two sons Jack and Harvey, and his father Jeff into the Collegians community.
His appointment represents an important step in the Club's ambition to establish sustained success at the highest level of VAFA football, while continuing to strengthen the relationships, culture and values that have defined Collegians for generations.
Please join us in welcoming Jarrod and the Gieschen family to Collegians Football Club as we look ahead to an exciting 2027 season.
