Jaymie Graham Biography

Jaymie Graham will coach the Dockers in the absence of Justin Longmuir who is sidelined due to the AFL's COVID protocols.

Based on his own personal experience, Jaymie Graham says he supports the AFL's forceful contact below the knees rule which has stirred furious debate.

Playing for South Fremantle in the WAFL in 2011, Graham was bending down to pick up a loose ball when a Subiaco opponent slid into the contest head-first at speed, trapping his planted left leg with nowhere to go.

Graham suffered a dislocated leg, ACL, PCL and medial ligament ruptures, plus a lateral ligament tear and his knee still troubles him today.

"What happened in my case, where my foot was planted, you're stuck between a rock and hard place," Graham said.

"There's been some senior coaches and some pretty experienced players that have made comments that the rule is poor, and they're poor decisions, and that players play for free kicks and flop.

"I'm a bit surprised by the commentary around it. The onus should be on the players to keep their feet when they attack the ball."

Jaymie Graham fills in as coach of the Eagles in their 51-point win over the Western Bulldogs.

Graham said it was a seamless transition after senior coach Adam Simpson flew back to Perth late on Saturday night when illness forced his youngest daughter to be hospitalised.

"It didn't bring any problems, it just meant we had to shuffle a few things," Graham said.

"All the work and preparation had been done during the week and, obviously, the line coaches all played their role.

"It just meant I had a few extra stresses to think about during the day, but nothing really changed."

West Coast has finalised its coaching set-up for 2017, refreshing the group as the club prepares for its fourth season under Adam Simpson.

Former Docker Justin Longmuir has been appointed to the senior assistant role, with champion ruckman Dean Cox taking over as joint midfield coach with Adrian Hickmott.

Longmuir is undertaking the AFL's level four coaching course, after being part of the program's second intake at the start of 2016.

Former player Adam Selwood will head up development, Jaymie Graham will become forwards coach and Daniel Pratt will become backline and team defence coach.

Jaymie Graham is promoted as the new forward line coach for West Coast as part of the Eagles' coaching restructure.

Graham moves on from the dual role he held in 2016 as a development coach and head coach of the Eagles' WAFL-affiliate club East Perth.

"I am delighted to get the opportunity as forwards coach," Graham said.

"Having said that, I really enjoyed the role at East Perth this year and had terrific support from all levels of the club.

"It was a great learning experience for me and really helped my development."

Jaymie Graham joins West Coast as development coach for 2014 as part of new coach Adam Simpson's coaching team.

"I can't wait to sink my teeth into this role and start working with Adam Simpson," Graham said.

"Adam is someone I've always admired from afar and I think he'll make an excellent senior coach.

"I'm also looking forward to reuniting with some former teammates, some of whom are still playing, as well as Adam Selwood who has also taken up a coaching role with the club."

Jaymie Graham leaves his role as an assistant coach at St Kilda.