Former Box Hill premiership captain and Hawthorn player David Mirra has returned to the brown and gold, after being appointed as the club’s VFL Senior Coach/ AFL Development Coach.

Along with two seasons at the highest level, Mirra sits comfortably among the greatest ever VFL Hawks, holding the record for the most games as captain for Box Hill.

Twice a VFL premiership player (including one as captain), Mirra is also a Norm Goss Medallist, two times a Col Austen Trophy winner and was selected in the VFL Team of the Year on four occasions during his esteemed playing career.

Mirra’s high regard at Box Hill is represented by becoming a Life Member in 2016, before being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022, and more recently, he had the honour of the Players’ Player Award being named after him.

Since hanging up the boots, Mirra has been coaching Wesley College’s First XVIII Football Team, in addition to serving as the Campus Manager of Wesley’s St Kilda facility.

Box Hill General Manager - Football Annelie Smith said:

“David is one of the most respected figures in Box Hill history, which makes him an excellent fit as our new VFL Senior Coach.

“Along with his impressive accolades and experience as a player, David is an even better person who shows genuine love and care for those around him.

“We know the players will really benefit from his leadership, enthusiasm, competitiveness and high-performance mindset for many years to come.

“To also have David serve as a development coach within our AFL program ensures our emerging Hawks are given the best opportunity to shine at both VFL and AFL levels.”

Hawthorn Executive General Manager of Football Rob McCartney said:

“David’s appointment enables us to continue our successful connection of having our VFL Senior Coach serve within our AFL program as a Development Coach.

“Through his teaching and coaching at Wesley, he has proven he has been able to build relationships that allow him to get the best out of his players on a talent and development level.

“David is a proven leader who has demonstrated an ability to galvanise a group towards a common goal. These skills will be utilised across our VFL and AFL programs. 

“With David joining Daniel Giansiracusa in leading our development program, we are well-positioned to continue to focus on getting better in 2026 and beyond."

Box Hill VFL Senior Coach/ Hawthorn AFL Development Coach David Mirra said:

“I’m extremely proud and honoured to be appointed as Box Hill's VFL Senior Coach and to join Hawthorn as an AFL Development Coach. 

“Having pulled on the brown and gold guernsey at both VFL and AFL level, I understand what it means to represent this great football club, and I’m looking forward to doing that in a coaching capacity. 

“I’m excited to work alongside the likes of Sam Mitchell and Daniel Giansiracusa to develop the next generation of Hawthorn talent. 

“I can’t wait to meet everyone and continue to build on the success from both Hawthorn and Box Hill’s 2025 campaigns.”