The former Sydney, Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast coach, who works with the Fathering Project, presented a talk at Kings College to dads with students at Kings and Emmanuel colleges, St Johns Dennington, Warrnambool East and Warrnambool West primary schools.

The Fathering Project assists fathers and father figures to form groups that organise activities, providing a safe and inclusive environment where they can engage with their kids and learn, share and connect with each other.

Eade, who has been involved for nearly 19 months as the project's school manager, said the school talks were about assisting dads.

"Tonight was our launch presentation and we explained to the dads what we are about and have some discussions as it's not a lecture and it's not judgemental," he said.

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"We aren't saying dads aren't doing a great job - it's just helping them be the best dad they can be.

"We talked about that and some stats and we went through our principles and gave them some fathering tips to help them out."

Eade, who has two sons, a daughter and three step-children, says there is a number of keys to being a good father.

"Being there for the children, loving each other and I think even really busy dads whether they be doctors or lawyers or whoever it may be it's just about having the time for them and being there spending some time and making them special and being engaged," he said.

"Once the kids realise that and know you care and they are cared about the development outcomes are really positive."

The current Balwyn Tigers coach said his involvement with the project had been "rewarding".

"I got asked by a friend and the Fathering Project was looking for someone who would cut through at schools and my profile helped with that," he said.

"I started in November 2019 and found it very rewarding and it extended on from there.

"It's one of the many things I do and it is certainly a fanatic program. We now have around 80 to 90 schools in Victoria and in New South Wales, Queensland and Perth there is over 250 schools involved."

Eade said sharing his own experiences and those he has heard from other schools made the night more causal for the fathers.

The decorated former AFL coach and player said the program had been a great experience.

"There has been a lot of good stories and lot of positive feedback from dads and we have got little tips along the way," he said.

"It's not a massive big lecture program but a lot of dads have picked up little tips and realised they can add a little bit to their fathering.

"There is also a great support network for them as their has been some dads with some mental health issues and they've been able to support each other on other issues and challenges they have got."

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