AFL 2023: Saints hit hard as footy boss Geoff Walsh withdraws from role because of family situation

It’s not ideal to lose your football boss on the eve of a new season, especially after they’ve only been in the role for four months. How will the Saints adjust?

St Kilda has suffered an early-season setback with recently appointed head of football Geoff Walsh to leave the club due to family reasons.

Walsh was thrust into the position after the Saints’ 2022 season. He had made a strong start to his new role but his family situation changed and made it untenable for him to continue in the job.

“I have really enjoyed my time with the club but with my personal situation very recently changing, I now need to focus on addressing that, which unfortunately will preclude me from devoting the necessary time to a full-time role in football,” Walsh said.

“While I will be stepping away, I will still be keeping a close eye on the Saints and staying in touch to support the club where possible.”

Geoff Walsh with St Kilda coach Ross Lyon before his sudden departure. Picture: Michael Klein

It comes just days after the Saints appointed former assistant coach Stephen Silvagni and long time recruiting specialist Graeme Allan to its list management team.

The Saints will now be on the hunt for a new football boss just weeks out from the first lot of pre-season matches under its new look coaching set up led by Lyon.

It’s understood current high performance boss David Misson will step up in an interim capacity.

Former AFL official Tess McManus will add AFL football operations to her role as head of AFLW.

Saints chief executive Simon Lethlean thanked Walsh for his time at the club and understood his decision.

Geoff Walsh had made a strong start to his new role but his family situation changed everything.

“The club respects Geoff’s decision to do what is best for he and his family. We have been incredibly fortunate to acquire his expertise and skills, even if only for a short time,” Lethlean said.

“Geoff’s knowledge and experience has allowed the club to make a strong start at implementing the recommendations of the Review and embracing a new coach as well as many new staff within the program.

“Geoff and his family are now part of the St Kilda family. We wish them all the very best and look forward to remaining in contact.”

Silvagni to spearhead Saints’ elite talent search

– Matt Turner

St Kilda has appointed Stephen Silvagni as its new list manager.

Silvagni, who held the role at GWS from 2011-14 then Carlton from 2015-19, was announced as James Gallagher’s replacement on Friday.

It marks a return to the Saints from Silvagni, an assistant there under close mate Ross Lyon from 2007-10.

He will support footy department veteran Graeme Allan, who has been named St Kilda’s new head of talent and acquisition, also working closely with national recruiting manager Chris Toce.

Stephen Silvagni at the AFL trade period during his stint as Carlton list manager. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images

Stephen Silvagni was an assistant coach at the Saints from 2007-10.

Allan had been an advisor to the club’s football program since the end of 2018.

Saints chief executive Simon Lethlean said the duo would bring significant experience to their roles.

“Stephen will be focused on developing the club’s overall list strategy, while supporting Graeme and the wider recruitment team with talent identification and acquisition as the club seeks to bolster and develop its list,” Lethlean said.

“St Kilda has seen significant change to its playing list over the past four years and to ensure the program has every opportunity to succeed now and into the future, we need to continue to invest in our recruitment strategy with a focus on bringing in more elite talent, whether that be through trade or draft.”

Gallagher left the Saints last month after four seasons in the role.

Allan and Silvagni will officially start on February 15.