VFL: Frankston appoints Jackson Kornberg as head coach

At 30, Kornberg is also one of the Dolphins youngest coaches in their history.

He joins Frankston after two years on the Gold Coast Suns coaching panel; he coached the Suns’ VFL team to a top-four finish in 2022 and he stepped into an AFL/VFL development coaching role this year as the Suns won the VFL premiership.

Kornberg spent a decade in the Sandringham Dragons program, progressing through various coaching roles, culminating as the head coach in 2021.

Frankston settled on Kornberg after a seven-week search, conducted nationwide, to identify the ideal candidate.

“We left no stone unturned,’’ Frankston chief executive Fraser Bayne said.

“We spoke to a lot of people and had some really good quality candidates apply.

“The three candidates that we landed on at the end are all very, very capable in their own right and Jackson probably just stood out slightly on top.

“The most important thing we were really looking for, especially when you look at the success of someone like Craig McRae, is really that player engagement and connection.

“And wherever Jackson has gone the positive feedback about him from some of his players and colleagues has been very much about his ability to form that bond and rapport with his players and create a culture where it’s enjoyable and fun and they want to be around.

“But he also has a very strong technical and tactical brain as well. Some of the individual development program that he developed while at Sandringham they’re still using.’’

Frankston informed its playing group of Kornberg’s appointment on Tuesday morning. He replaces Danny Ryan, who was Frankston’s coach since 2019.

In addition to his role as the head coach of the VFL program, Kornberg will oversee Frankston’s women’s program and the VFL Academy.

Kornberg is driving back from Queensland and will start at the Dolphins on October 30.

“I am really excited for the opportunity to coach the talented young list at the club and humbled that the board have shown faith in me to do the role,’’ Kornberg said.

“I can’t wait to meet the playing group and start building towards the season.’’

AFL stars Tim Taranto and Bailey Smith testify to Kornberg’s impact on their careers during their time at the Sandringham Dragons.

“He was very, very helpful for my confidence and skill work for the couple of years while I was with him and he was a good bloke that was willing to give up his time,’’ Taranto said.

Smith said: “The amount (of training) we did one-on-one, off days, it was just that person who was there, and even off-field. He’s been a massive influence. I don’t know what I would have done without him.’’

Frankston’s youngest-ever coach was the great Alan Wickes, who was 22 years and 7 months, when he led the Dolphins in 1962.

In other Dolphins news, Tyson Milne, son of former St Kilda star Stephen Milne, has joined the club.

Originally published as VFL: Frankston appoints Jackson Kornberg as head coach