AFL Barwon football manager Simon Riddoch to depart on May 2

The second high profile manager at AFL Barwon is set to depart in just over a month with the eight-time GFNL premiership player announcing he was looking for new opportunities.

Simon Riddoch during his time as a coach at Grovedale. Picture: Peter Ristevski

Two high profile AFL Barwon managers will leave the peak body in just over a month with Simon Riddoch finishing up in early May.

Riddoch, who won eight senior GFNL premierships with North Shore and is a life member at the club, announced on LinkedIn last week he was looking for new work opportunities.

Riddoch said he was seeking a new role, highlighting his managerial experience, with the hashtag #OpenToWork, just days before AFL Barwon announced publicly Lisa Patterson as its new region general manager.

Patterson takes over from Ed Wilson who departed the role on March 26 after being appointed in June, 2022 at the age of 27.

Riddoch is AFL Barwon’s senior, under-18 and All-Abilities football manager.

AFL Barwon manager Simon Riddoch is leaving the peak body in early May. Picture: AFL Barwon.

In a statement in the regulatory body’s Barwon Bulletin, it was with “heavy heart” it announced the Riddoch was leaving with his last day on May 2.

“Simon has been an integral part of the AFL Barwon team and the contribution he has held within the football community has been invaluable,” the statement read.

“Simon has been a passionate person and well known across all leagues in the region, however his impact in the BFNL, GFNL, CDFNL, All-Abilities and U18 competitions with leading the way to continually grow in a positive aspect has not gone unnoticed.”

“I am sure he will not be a stranger and will be seen out and about in the footy community.”

Originally published as AFL Barwon football manager Simon Riddoch to depart on May 2