Former Melbourne coach Neale Daniher has today accepted the position of General Manager Football Operations with the West Coast Eagles.
Daniher, who coached the Demons for a decade, taking them to the grand final in 2000, has been Chief Executive of the AFL Coaches Association for the last 12 months. It is that mix of administrative and football knowledge which made him the primary target for West Coast.
"We are absolutely delighted that Neale has accepted this position with the West Coast Eagles," Chief Executive Officer Trevor Nisbett said. "We were looking for someone with a strong coaching and administrative background and identified Neale as the best person for this role.
"As a player and a coach he was a high achiever and has also been successful in the last 12 months as Chief Executive of the AFL Coaches Association.
"He is a man of impeccable character, someone who will add great value to our football club as we begin our resurgence as a powerful on-field force in the AFL."
Daniher said he was looking forward to his next football challenge. He will officially start with the club in November.
"It's an exciting challenge and a great time to begin with the West Coast Eagles," Daniher said. "I believe the club is well positioned to rebound quickly from what has been a disappointing season, particularly given its proud history.
"The club has a terrific young list and I look forward to playing my role in assisting the club's climb back up the AFL ladder."
Senior coach John Worsfold had several discussions with Daniher and also felt he was the right man for the job.
"I have been very impressed in the conversations I have had with Neale over the past couple of months," Worsfold said. "He brings to the table exactly the attributes we were looking for and believe he will assist us greatly in our vision for the team.
"Obviously his appointment is a key strategic development in the broad picture that we have for our club and I look forward to working with him."
The appointment of Daniher comes after almost 12 months of planning with current General Manager Football Operations Steve Woodhouse presenting a revised football structure to Nisbett.
With the increasing workload in that senior administrative role, Woodhouse suggested it was time for two senior executives to share the responsibilities. Woodhouse will now focus on list management and player contracts, while Daniher will focus more on the team and operational components of the role.
"I have spent much of the last 12 months working on the department re-structure and it is rewarding to see it begin to take shape," Woodhouse said.
"Neale is a highly respected football person who will be central in returning to the on-field success which has been so much a part of this club's history.
"This is a great outcome because I will now focus on two areas for which I have a strong passion in list management and player contracts."
Daniher, who coached the Demons for a decade, taking them to the grand final in 2000, has been Chief Executive of the AFL Coaches Association for the last 12 months. It is that mix of administrative and football knowledge which made him the primary target for West Coast.
"We are absolutely delighted that Neale has accepted this position with the West Coast Eagles," Chief Executive Officer Trevor Nisbett said. "We were looking for someone with a strong coaching and administrative background and identified Neale as the best person for this role.
"As a player and a coach he was a high achiever and has also been successful in the last 12 months as Chief Executive of the AFL Coaches Association.
"He is a man of impeccable character, someone who will add great value to our football club as we begin our resurgence as a powerful on-field force in the AFL."
Daniher said he was looking forward to his next football challenge. He will officially start with the club in November.
"It's an exciting challenge and a great time to begin with the West Coast Eagles," Daniher said. "I believe the club is well positioned to rebound quickly from what has been a disappointing season, particularly given its proud history.
"The club has a terrific young list and I look forward to playing my role in assisting the club's climb back up the AFL ladder."
Senior coach John Worsfold had several discussions with Daniher and also felt he was the right man for the job.
"I have been very impressed in the conversations I have had with Neale over the past couple of months," Worsfold said. "He brings to the table exactly the attributes we were looking for and believe he will assist us greatly in our vision for the team.
"Obviously his appointment is a key strategic development in the broad picture that we have for our club and I look forward to working with him."
The appointment of Daniher comes after almost 12 months of planning with current General Manager Football Operations Steve Woodhouse presenting a revised football structure to Nisbett.
With the increasing workload in that senior administrative role, Woodhouse suggested it was time for two senior executives to share the responsibilities. Woodhouse will now focus on list management and player contracts, while Daniher will focus more on the team and operational components of the role.
"I have spent much of the last 12 months working on the department re-structure and it is rewarding to see it begin to take shape," Woodhouse said.
"Neale is a highly respected football person who will be central in returning to the on-field success which has been so much a part of this club's history.
"This is a great outcome because I will now focus on two areas for which I have a strong passion in list management and player contracts."
