Coleman first played with Fitzroy and made his league debut in 1980. After five seasons with the Lions he moved to Sydney and finished second in their goalkicking with 32 goals in 1988. He represented New South Wales during this time, at interstate football. In 1990 he returned to Victoria and joined Footscray with whom he finished his career.
Semi-Final: South Australia 12.8 (80) defeated New South Wales 8.11 (59), at Football Park, 3 March 1988 3rd Play-Off: New South Wales 10.8 (68) defeated Western Australia 9.12 (66), at Football Park, 5 March 1988