Neil Balme leaves Collingwood to join Richmond as general manager of football
NEIL Balme has returned to Punt Rd after 36 years to rescue Richmond’s floundering football department, in the first major off-field move of the post-season.
Richmond
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NEIL Balme has returned to Punt Rd after 36 years to rescue Richmond’s floundering football department.
The veteran football boss officially walked out on Collingwood early Monday and was installed as the Tigers’ new general manager of football.
Balme’s signing is the key move in a major remake of Richmond’s football executive ranks — from list management and recruiting to strength and conditioning.
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The Tigers first met with Balme — a 1973-74 Richmond premiership player — several weeks ago but accelerated their pursuit after last week’s Focus on Footy board challenge.
Balme walked into the Holden Centre early on Monday and informed the Pies he was leaving.
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley had declared on Friday night he expected Balme to accept a new position as the Pies’ director of coaching.
Balme, 64, was replaced as Magpies football boss by Graeme “Gubby” Allan three weeks ago.
Allan is under investigation by the AFL over allegations he helped protect Greater Western Sydney young gun Lachie Whitfield from drug testers and could leave the Pies exposed if suspended by the league.
Magpies president Eddie McGuire told the Herald Sun; “We’ve let Neil out of his contract to pursue something else that he wants to do. It’s a simple as that.
“We’ve got salary cap room in our footy department now and everyone seems to be happy with the way things are.”
What a great appointment Neil Balme General manager of footy at Richmond. How good is that Balmey back at tigerland I'm getting excited kb
— Kevin Bartlett (@KevinBartlett29) September 12, 2016
“Neil brings tremendous experience and judgment to the role and a clear understanding of what successful environments look like, having been a part of six Grand Finals and three premierships as a leading football administrator,” CEO Brendon Gale said.
“He will now take responsibility for determining how we respond to the findings of the review.
“He has an imposing record in football ... and he’s a key architect. To have someone of his experience and acumen gives me and the football club great confidence.
“We have been in discussions with Neil for a number of weeks. He is excited by the challenge that lies ahead and clearly has a passion for a club where his football journey began. We are delighted that he has accepted this new role.”
Balme’s elevation — above current Richmond footy chief Dan Richardson — follows a 10-week review by accounting firm Ernst & Young into the club’s football operations.
Coach Damien Hardwick survives but will enter an eighth season in charge holding the record for most games coached (157) without saluting in a final.
Hardwick has foreshadowed a quick rebound into finals action after a disastrous 8-14 season.
Focus on Footy leader Martin Hiscock, who last week identified Balme as a key target of the spill group, said: “They may not be talking to us, but they are certainly listening.
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“Balme’s appointment is yet another predictable example of a board motivated by self-preservation.”
The rival ticket said it was pressing ahead with a push for a club election next month.
Balme’s appointment sees current footy chief Richardson shifted to a new role as general manager of football talent.
Richardson will oversee the club’s list management strategy alongside player personnel chief Blair Hartley and report directly to Balme.
Both Balme and Richardson will sit on the club’s senior executive.
One of Balme’s first tasks will be identifying replacements for assistant coaches Ross Smith and Greg Mellor and outgoing development coach Mark Williams, who were not offered new contracts.
Balme will also be responsible for an overhaul of the club’s player development and leadership programs.
Recruiting boss Francis Jackson will also step down after this year’s national draft, with Matthew Clarke assuming the job of national recruiting manager.
The Tigers also promoted Luke Meehan as strength and conditioning coach, replacing Adam Douglas.
Tigers chief executive Brendon Gale said: “Some will agree with the change, some won’t, but I can guarantee our members and supporters this change has been carefully considered and is well informed.
“Our fans are angry with what we produced in season 2016 — and they have every right to be. It did not meet our expectations and it demanded we identify what went wrong and how to address these shortcomings.
“Ultimately, this review has identified the need to get the right people in the right roles and to give them the clarity and structure that will allow them to focus on building a culture of success.”
Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert said: “There is no doubt that ‘Balmey’ would have added some real value to the program ... however we respect his decision and thank him for his friendship and service to the Collingwood Football Club over the past two years.”
TIGER BALME: The new-look Richmond football department
IN
General manager - football: Neil Balme
Dual Richmond premiership player and key administrator in Geelong triple-premiership era. Courted by the Tigers several years ago and rejected a lesser role at Collingwood to return to Punt Rd
General manager - football talent: Dan Richardson
Father Barry Richardson played with Balme at Richmond in the 1970s. Shifts from footy boss to head-up a revamped list management and recruiting team. Now reports to Balme.
National recruiting manager: Matthew Clarke
Not to be confused with the former Brisbane, Adelaide and St Kilda ruckman, Clarke is a former Melbourne recruiter who has worked in the Tigers’ list management team for the past eight seasons.
Strength and conditioning coach: Luke Meehan
Promoted from rehabilitation coach.
Rehabilitation coach: Rob Inness
Promoted from the VFL team. Brother of former state cricketer and current Western Bulldogs fitness boss Matthew Inness.
OUT
Strength and conditioning coach: Adam Douglas
Contract not renewed.
Assistant coaches: Ross Smith and Greg Mellor
Contracts not renewed.
Senior development coach: Mark Williams
Port Adelaide premiership coach shown the door last week.
National recruiting manager: Francis Jackson.
Now a part-time consultant.
RETAINED
Senior coach: Damien Hardwick
Enters his eighth season in 2017 vowing to return his team swiftly to September football. Has a contract for 2018 but no finals next year would likely spell the end.
Assistant coach: Brendon Lade
Offered a one-year deal, but yet to accept.
Physical performance manager: Peter Burge
Maintains position as top fitness man.
VFL coach: Craig Macrae
Could be elevated to assist Hardwick.
NEIL BALME
Age: 64 (65 in January)
- Joins Richmond in 1970 after four matches with WAFL side Subiaco
- 159 senior games for Richmond to 1979, including 1973-74 premierships
- Coaches Norwood in SANFL from 1980-90, winning 1982 and 1984 premierships and making finals every year
- Coaches newly-merged SANFL club Woodville-West Torrens to finals 1991-92
- Coaches Melbourne in AFL 1993-97, finals 1994
- Collingwood football operations manager 1998-2006 (Grand Finals in 2002-03)
- Geelong football operations manager 2007-14, one of the key figures in the club’s three premierships in 2007, 2009 and 2011
- Returns to Collingwood in late 2014 as football director
- Monday, returns to Punt Rd as general manager of football.
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