Calthorpe, a member of Essendon’s 1993 Grand Final triumph, was confirmed as coach of the Demons for 2013 on Wednesday night.
Diamond Creek president, John Woolcock, said his club was elated to have a person of Calthorpe’s football experience at the helm.
“It’s really exciting for us to have a former AFL player and a premiership player on board as we look forward to next season,” Woolcock said.
“It was a tough decision to replace Paul (Kennedy) who has been great for the club and is a close friend of mine.
“But when you sit with candidates you have to do the right thing by the club and appoint the person you think is best capable to take you forward.”
Calthorpe played 92 games with the Bombers between 1992-1998, before playing nine matches with Brisbane Lions in 1999 and a further 13 with the Kangaroos in 2000.
Woolcock said Calthorpe brought a rich amount of football knowledge to the club having worked alongside many AFL greats.
In his time as league footballer he played under premiership coaches Kevin Sheedy, Leigh Matthews and Denis Pagan, and alongside teammates who went on to become AFL coaches, including James Hird, Michael Voss, Brad Scott and Chris Scott.
