Prominent player agent Ned Guy has become Collingwood’s new list boss

PROMINENT player agent Ned Guy has become Collingwood’s new list boss, but the manager is set to scale back duties during this month’s trade period.

Magpies head coach Nathan Buckley speaks between General Manager Of Football (L) and President Eddie McGuire to the media during a Collingwood Magpies AFL press conference at the Holden Centre on August 28, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

COLLINGWOOD’S new list chief Ned Guy will scale back duties as a player agent to avoid any conflict of interest during this month’s trade period.

The Magpies continued their dramatic shake up of its football department after an exhaustive review revealed the Pies needed to beef up their recruiting and list management resources.

Guy, who has been one of the game’s top player managers over the past decade, will replace veteran Pies recruiter Derek Hine as Collingwood’s new list boss.

Hine, who oversaw the Pies’ 2010 premiership list, has been offered the chance to stay at the club as national recruiting manager but is yet to accept the subordinate position.

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Collingwood has also created a new Pro-Scout position to better scrutinise talent in state leagues and other AFL teams.

Guy currently manages stars Devon Smith (Greater Western Sydney) and Jake Lever (Adelaide), who will find new homes during the trade period.

Collingwood remains in the running for small forward-midfielder Smith, while gun key defender Lever is committed to moving to Melbourne.

The Herald Sun confirmed Guy would shift full control of those players to other managers at McDonald Sports to minimise potential conflict.

McDonald Sports managing director Alex McDonald said the integrity of the trade period would not be compromised.

Guy will work closely with Nathan Buckley. Picture: Getty Images

“McDonald Sports is mindful of Ned’s involvement in the upcoming player movement period and both Ned and McDonald Sports will ensure that all parties are respected accordingly,” McDonald said.

“The MSTM team now comprises of six accredited managers including Alex McDonald and Dave Trotter who will manage the transition and ongoing affairs of the MSTM players previously managed by Ned.”

Smith is also weighing up string interest from Carlton, Essendon, St Kilda and Geelong, but Guy confirmed Smith’s strong friendship with former GWS Giants teammate Taylor Adams and senior coach Nathan Buckley could sway him towards Collingwood.

Giant Devon Smith is in demand. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Collingwood football manager Geoff Walsh said the Pies were thrilled with Guy’s appointment as they look to break their four-year finals drought next season.

Guy is highly regarded for his talent spotting and communication.

“Ned, through his 11 years in player management, holds a really strong understanding of the system, particularly in the areas of talent identification, management and the relationships required around that,” Walsh said.

“Ned and Derek already share a great working relationship and we feel with the restructure and additional roles we can achieve a great balance and dynamic in the recruiting and list management department.”

The Magpies have also made significant changes in the coaching department to help provide more support for Buckley.

New assistant coach Justin Longmuir has made the move from West Coast, while former Matthew Boyd has joined as development coach and Nick Maxwell has accepted a leadership position.

Former Bulldogs’ assistant Brett Montgomery is also in the frame.

Guy will commence employment as list chief after the trade period, but an exact start date has not yet been confirmed by the Pies.

Guy also manages Collingwood defender Matthew Scharenberg, who resisted offers to go home to South Australia when he re-signed with the Pies last year.

Collingwood holds the No. 6 pick in this year’s draft.