Andrew Mackie has been promoted to the role of list manager at the Geelong Football Club, with Stephen Wells to remain as the club’s recruiting manager.
Geelong general manager of football Simon Lloyd said the club had been evaluating the best way forward for its recruiting and list management team.
“We have been working in conjunction with Stephen all year to look at what is the best set up for both the now and the future,” Lloyd said.
“Andrew has taken on a lot of the list management responsibilities through the year and we all believe he is ready to take that role on a full-time basis.
“At the same time, we are really pleased that Stephen will continue as our recruiting manager.
“He continues to be at the top of his profession and still has the enthusiasm and drive to continue. Stephen will also be a good sounding board for Andrew and others in the team.
“Stephen and Andrew have a strong relationship and work well together. This structure will stand the club in good stead for years to come.”
Wells joined the Cats in 1984 and had been the club’s list boss since 1994, playing an instrumental role in the Cats’ three premierships in 2007, 2009 and 2011.
Wells was revered at the club for ability to identify talented players, in both the draft and from other clubs.
He was in charge of the recruiting team that selected multiple premiership stars Joel Corey, Paul Chapman, Cameron Ling and Corey Enright in 1999 and Jimmy Bartel, James Kelly, Steve Johnson and Gary Ablett in 2001.
Wells had previously taken time away from the club earlier this year, with speculation he may have planned to step down from his role.
Instead his role will be split, with Mackie stepping up as list manager.
Mackie played 280 games and won three premierships with the Cats, after being recruited by Wells with the seventh pick of the 2002 draft.
After his retirement in 2017, he joined the club’s list and recruiting team, serving a “four-year apprenticeship” under Wells.
