Magpies Announce a New Football Boss and AFL Pre-Season Fixture Details…

Collingwood Football Club has appointed Charlie Gardiner, the former football operations leader at the Sydney Swans, as their new executive general manager of football. This significant appointment fills the position left vacant since Graham Wright’s departure on extended leave in 2023. Gardiner’s hiring marks a crucial step in reshaping the Magpies’ football department amid a period of notable structural changes within the club.

The announcement came swiftly on Tuesday, just an hour after news of Gardiner’s appointment broke. Statements from both Collingwood and Sydney Swans confirmed the development, signaling Gardiner’s transition to the pivotal leadership role. Gardiner brings a wealth of experience, having spent five successful seasons heading the Swans’ football department before stepping into a legal and compliance role for personal reasons earlier this year.

The recruitment process was competitive, with Gardiner emerging as the top candidate among other strong contenders, including former Fremantle football chief Peter Bell and Adelaide’s list manager Justin Reid. All three finalists met with the Magpies’ leadership last week, but Gardiner’s blend of strategic vision and practical experience ultimately secured him the role.

This appointment comes during a period of transformation for Collingwood, following their 2023 premiership victory. The club has seen significant turnover, including the exits of longtime recruiting boss Derek Hine and key assistant coach Justin Leppitsch, who has now transitioned to lead the list management team. Chief executive Craig Kelly has taken an active role in restructuring, appointing Gardiner to bring stability and a fresh perspective to the football department.

Gardiner’s arrival was met with praise from Kelly, who highlighted his contributions to the Swans, particularly during the challenges of the COVID-19 seasons. Swans CEO Tom Harley echoed these sentiments, acknowledging Gardiner’s instrumental role in guiding Sydney to a grand final in 2022 and thanking him for his dedication to the club over the years.

In other AFL news, the league has unveiled its 2025 Community Series pre-season fixture. The series will see all 18 teams participate in one match each, providing fans an early look at new recruits and team strategies. The opening game features Geelong and Essendon at GMHBA Stadium on February 25, while other notable clashes include Richmond versus Collingwood at IKON Park and Fremantle taking on Melbourne at Rushton Park.

For Geelong fans, the spotlight will be on Bailey Smith, a key recruit set to make his debut against Essendon. Meanwhile, Bombers supporters can look forward to seeing their revamped forward line in action, following the departure of Jake Stringer and the addition of draft prospect Isaac Kako.

As the AFL gears up for another thrilling season, fans can anticipate more updates and insights into how clubs like Collingwood and Sydney are navigating their respective transformations. With Gardiner at the helm, Collingwood’s football department is poised to build on its recent successes and adapt to the evolving demands of the league.