The Bulldogs announced Maple’s promotion on Wednesday, simultaneously signalling Graham Lowe had stepped down from the role due to family and work commitments outside the club.

Bulldogs football director Chris Grant said it was an important job and Maple, a former Rebels’ head coach, would work closely with Lowe to ensure a smooth transition.

“(The appointment) was not only testament to Chris’ expertise and ability, but is also a reflection of our environment which aims to support the continued growth and development of our people,” said Grant, who is also a Daylesford football hero.

“Chris will also continue to be involved in the coaching program.”

The move continues a strong pathway for Maple, who joined the Bulldogs as a development coach in 2008 after two season as North Ballarat Rebels’ head coach, including recognition as TAC Cup coach of the year in 2007.

He stepped up as development manager and Victorian Football League coach for the Bulldogs in the inaugural year as a relaunched Footscray in 2014, winning the league premiership in the same season.

Maple became the club’s head of player development in 2015 and was elevated to coaching performance manager at the end of last season.

Originally from Ararat and a school teacher by profession, Maple started his football coaching journey as playing-coach of Tatyoon in the Mininera District Football League in 1999-2000.

He then coached Buninyong in the Central Highlands league in 2001-2003 – taking the Bombers to a CHFL premiership in 2002.

Development work with young players has long been a passion for Maple, who joined the Rebels as an assistant coach to Gerard FitzGerald in 2005-06.

A rare and coveted Ballarat Associated Schools’ first XVIII football premiership with Ballarat High School in 2001 remains one of Maple’s highlights of his development work in Ballarat.