Down to business for new boss

BUILDING relationships with stakeholders is high on Ed Wilson’s priority list following his appointment as the new Region Manager of AFL Barwon.

The 27-year-old was unveiled on Monday as the replacement for Bruce Harwood, who departed the role suddenly last month for personal reasons.

Wilson arrives at Highton after recently joining AFL Victoria following executive and general manager roles with ACT Athletics and Touch Rugby League Australia.

Brisbane raised and educated, the Lions fan was also part of the team that delivered the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018.

However, Wilson has been keen to get into the AFL system.

“I’ve always been passionate about the sport, and I believe I’ve got a lot that I can bring to the table – based on my experience – to grow the region after a couple of challenging years,” Wilson said.

“The strategic leadership component of the role is what stood out to me.”

Wilson is also completing his MBA and said his diary is filling quickly as he looks to meet as many people as possible in the coming weeks and months.

“It’s really important I do get out to grounds – at nights during the week as well as weekends,” Wilson said.

“That is the core of our sports, and that’s where everyone loves and enjoys it. That’s also where we can see the greatest gains.

“I really look forward to integrating myself into the community and meeting people in the coming weeks and months.”

Developing those connections will help Wilson, along with staff and the AFL Barwon Commission, prepare the local governing body’s next strategic plan.

“It goes without saying, (we’ve had) a few challenging years due to external factors, which has meant interrupted seasons,” Wilson said.

“One thing we’re very positive about is what the future looks like, and the development of that strategic plan is going to be that vision for the next five-plus years.

“I really look forward to utilising my expertise and bringing an external lens to deliver that.”

Restructure was put back on the table by Harwood, who had started canvassing clubs for their opinions on what the make-up of competitions would look like in coming years.

Wilson said the Commission has told him they are open-minded about what the future holds in that area.

“They really want to keep an open canvas as to what that future strategy looks like,” he said.

“Whether we look at our core products. Or whether we look at how we work and collaborate with the local community in terms of servicing the sports.

“We want to make sure that as the administrators, we are doing what’s best for those who are a part of it.

“And that’s at every level; from the coaches to umpires, the players, the teams, club members, and everyone else who’s involved in the greater community.”

Twitter: @tom_king79