Collingwood has appointed Charlie Gardiner as its new footy boss
Former Geelong and St Kilda forward Charlie Gardiner has won the race to replace Graham Wright at Collingwood, beating out two other big interstate names.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Collingwood has appointed Charlie Gardiner as the club’s new head of football.
The former Geelong and St Kilda forward who has worked for Sydney Swans in recent years as football manager and legal counsel has won the job to replace Graham Wright.
Gardiner beat former Fremantle football manager Peter Bell and Adelaide list boss Justin Reid for the role.
The move continues the significant off-field changes at Collingwood in the past year which include the departure of former football manager Brendon Bolton, recruiting chief Derek Hine and Wright to Carlton as deputy CEO.
Gardiner, who is highly rated in the industry for his work at Swans, is expected to take over in the new year.
“I am excited to join Collingwood, a club with such rich history and passionate supporter base,” Gardiner said.
“I look forward to getting to know the people that make up this club and build on what is already a strong and well-placed football program and hopefully contribute to future success.
“Finally, I’m grateful to Sydney and everyone at the Swans for the journey over the past six years – I have thoroughly enjoyed working with all of the staff and players.”
Collingwood chief executive Craig Kelly was equally as excited, alluding to the key role Gardiner played “in shaping the Swans’ football strategy with proven success”.
The 41-year-old started as footy boss at Sydney in 2019, before returning to Melbourne earlier this year for family reasons, where he remained the club’s General Counsel.
“Charlie was instrumental in helping the club navigate through the challenges of the Covid seasons, which laid the foundations for a return to the Grand Final in 2022,” Swans chief executive Tom Harley said.
“Charlie is a person of the utmost integrity with a great blend of commercial acumen and football nous.
“We wish Charlie, Melissa, Jono, Teddy and Chloe all the very best for their next adventure”
Originally published as Collingwood has appointed Charlie Gardiner as its new footy boss
Top 100 SA athletes and teams of 2024 ranked: Rate the full list
See who made the cut for 2024, who rose in the rankings, who fell and who made the list for the first time.
Hird’s role in quest for new Dees CEO revealed
Despite only just taking up a position at Port Melbourne, James Hird has found himself involved in the process for the choosing of the next CEO at the Demons.