Charlie Gardiner named Collingwood’s football boss

Collingwood’s off-field transformation continues with the appointment of Charlie Gardiner as the club’s new Executive General Manager of Football. Gardiner, who spent six successful years as an administrator with the Sydney Swans, will assume the role in the new year, replacing Graham Wright.

The former Geelong and St Kilda player served as head of football at the Swans before stepping back to a legal counsel role earlier this year for family reasons. His successor at Sydney was former GWS coach Leon Cameron.

“I am excited to join Collingwood, a club with such rich history and passionate supporter base,” Gardiner said. “I look forward to building on the strong football program and contributing to future success.”

Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly expressed confidence in Gardiner’s ability to lead the club.

“Charlie played a key role in shaping the Swans’ football strategy with proven success,” Kelly said. “We are delighted to have him join Collingwood and lead our AFL football department.”

Gardiner’s appointment comes amid significant changes at Collingwood. Long-time recruiting boss Derek Hine left last week in what the club described as a mutual decision, while interim football boss Brendon Bolton has moved to St Kilda.

Wright, the architect behind the club’s 2023 premiership, is set to join Carlton after taking a leave of absence from Collingwood earlier this year. Club president Jeff Brown also announced he will step down at the end of the year to focus on his health.

Gardiner will work alongside new list manager Justin Leppitsch as part of Collingwood’s ongoing efforts to build on their 2023 premiership success.