Rodney Eade will coach AFL club the Western Bulldogs after a day-long meeting that started as an initial job interview.

It left Hawthorn as the only club without a coach for next season.

Bulldogs chief executive Campbell Rose announced the signing on Monday night, with Eade to front the media late Tuesday morning.

Rose would not give any details, but a well-placed club source confirmed Eade had secured a three-year deal.

"I'm very pleased to announce a very exciting step for our club, that we've secured the services of Rodney Eade to coach our club....for the year 2005 and beyond," Rose said.

"Tomorrow morning, we're going to hold a press conference where Rodney will be available to answer all questions and sundry.

"For tonight's purposes, this is a very significant and very exciting step for our club.

When asked if he was surprised to sign Eade after only one day, Rose smiled and replied "everything's a surprise."

Eade had left just before Rose's announcement.

The meeting started just after 10am (AEST) and by mid-afternoon it was becoming apparent the two parties were going well beyond Eade's presentation.

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