AFL Barwon regional manager Ed Wilson to step down after accepting chief executive role at Motorcycling Victoria

Ed Wilson will depart AFL Barwon on the eve of the season after three years in the position. And he is determined to leave football and netball in the region in a strong position.

AFL Barwon regional general manager Edward Wilson

Outgoing AFL Barwon regional manager Ed Wilson says is determined to leave football and netball in thr region in a strong position after accepting a position with Motorcycling Victoria.

AFL employees were informed of his move earlier on Thursday with Wilson to finish his tenure at AFL Barwon March 26, less than a fortnight before all three Geelong local seasons begiin on April 5.

The AFL Barwon Commission and AFL Victoria will decide on Wilson’s replacement in the next month.

Wilson says it has been an “absolute privilege” taking on the role with the Brisbane native considering Geelong as his second home.

He loved working with dedicated club staff across Geelong and Colac and thanked the AFL for taking the leap of faith in hiring him with no experience working in Aussie rules or netball.

Cr Anthony Aitken and Ed Wilson. People Page Geelong Football Netball League Presentation Night at Buckleys. Picture: Alan Barber

“It has certainly been the most demanding but definitely the most rewarding role to be able to step into the position at the age of 27 and move down to the state in Victoria to work in two sports that I hadn’t worked in before,” Wilson told this masthead.

“What comes next is very much down to AFL Barwon Commission in partnership with AFL Victoria in determining what comes next in my position.

“Naturally for the next four weeks I’m eager to ensure that I leave the place in a really good position. I want to make sure that the work that has been achieved over the last three years continues to live on in a positive way that continues to contribute strategically.

“So I will be very much poised and committed to making sure that what comes next is best for the organisation and for the region as a whole, but at this time there is a lot that needs to transpire in terms of what comes next with my position.

“While the new opportunity fills me with great excitement in terms of what to come, at the same time as well it has been an absolute privilege to be able to serve in this position and contribute to the progression of the region.

“I will be very much looking from afar to keep a very close eye on what happens in the region and I want to wish it nothing but the very best moving forward.”

Wilson has been in the role for since Jine 2022, joining at a difficult time after two seasons had been impacted severely by Covid.

He feels most significant contribution was formulating AFL Barwon’s strategic plan which ultimately led to the Future of Football and Netball Project, where Wilson and AFL Barwon staff interviewed clubs extensively about measures to improve equalisation in the region.

This process allowed Surf Coast Suns to enter the senior ranks in 2026, see tiered salary caps and player points introduced at the beginning of this year and allow for non-mandatory promotion from the Bellarine to the Geelong league.

He also thoroughly enjoyed his work Geelong Football Club, who were part of the deal to allow the Geelong league to host the grand final at GMHBA Stadium last year which had more than 10,000 spectators attend.

Geelong Cats chief strategy and growth officer Marcus King, Leopold A grade netballer Millie Holand, South Barwon footballer Matt Caldow, Kardinia Park Stadium Trust CEO Gerard Griffin and AFL Barwon regional general manager Edward Wilson after the grand final announcement. Picture: Alison Wynd

“In 2022 we didn’t have a strategy forward and for me to come in and consult with clubs and other community stakeholders and be able to develop a new strategic plan and then lead that to the forefront is definitely one of my proud achievements during my time,” Wilson said.

“But absolutely one of the projects that stemmed form line of work was then the Future of Football and Netball Project. And what that project showed is that we have some incredible individuals throughout our region who want to see football succeed and they want to see netball succeed.

“Being able to lead a project that allowed us to all essentially challenge our future and what we want to achieve, it was a proud one to be a part of. And for all of us involved we want to see football and netball succeed within the region.

“And combining that with a partnership strategically with the Geelong Football Club, taking that relationship to new heights has been a really proud moment”

AFL Barwon chair Michell Gerdtz praised his significant contribution to the region.

“Edward has been a dedicated leader who has significantly contributed to the ongoing success of our region. His vision and commitment to community football and netball have left a lasting impact, and we sincerely thank him for his efforts,” AFL Barwon chair Michelle Gerdtz said.

Originally published as AFL Barwon regional manager Ed Wilson to step down after accepting chief executive role at Motorcycling Victoria