Following a significant six year contribution to building the Greater Western Sydney GIANTS, General Manager Football Operations Graeme Allan has resigned in order to relocate to Melbourne to be with family.
After joining the GIANTS in 2010, two years before the club officially entered the AFL competition, Allan has been instrumental in building the club's foundation playing list and constructing the GIANTS' football department.
Allan will continue his duties with the Club until the end of April and will be part of a panel enlisted to identify his successor in the coming weeks.
GIANTS Chief Executive Officer David Matthews highlighted Allan's vast contribution to the GIANTS.
“I was involved in appointing Gubby to the Team GWS group that evolved into the GIANTS of today - he has been ideal for a start-up club given his wealth of experience, his resilience and his successful track record," Mr Matthews said.
"He played a pivotal role, along with former head coach Kevin Sheedy and current Senior Assistant Coach Alan McConnell, in preparing the club for entry to the AFL by overseeing our list build, managing all football operations and guiding the club's welfare program. His legacy to the GIANTS, and therefore the AFL, is immense. He has done an incredible job setting us up for future success.
"And as someone who has been involved in football for over four decades, Gubby's broader contribution to the game also can't be understated, something that was recognised last year with AFL Life Membership.
"Gubby will always be a big part of the GIANTS family and we're delighted he has agreed to be on the panel that will identify his successor, as was the case when Kevin Sheedy worked on the succession plan to Leon Cameron.
GIANTS Chairman Tony Shepherd said: “I’ve worked closely with Gubby Allan from the club’s beginning and he has clearly done an outstanding job building our list and football department. On behalf of the Board and the club I wish Anne and Gubby all the best for the future and thank them for the contribution they’ve made in establishing the Giants."
Graeme Allan said: "With my wife having moved to Melbourne this year to be closer to our children and grandchildren the time is right for me to join them.
"Naturally I'm saddened to be leaving the GIANTS but I am very grateful for being afforded the opportunity to start and then continue to build the football department of the AFL's youngest club.
"I thank everyone at the club for a brilliant six years, particularly David Matthews, Peter Taylor and Tony Shepherd for supporting our football strategy from the beginning to where it is today. I will leave Western Sydney with lifelong memories and friends and I believe that this football team is on the verge of realising great on field success and the club will continue to flourish off field."
