Geelong has a new footy boss on the eve of the 2023 AFL Trade Period.
Andrew Mackie has taken over the role of general manager – football from Simon Lloyd, who is now GM of commercial projects at the club.
Mackie became the club’s list boss in 2021 after joining the Cats recruiting team in 2017.
Club update 🗞 Simon Lloyd will take on new role at the Cattery, Andrew Mackie and Brett Johnson will become Football Leadership. #OneInHoops
— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) September 12, 2023
A club great with 280 games to his name, Mackie, via a club statement, said: “I’m excited for this new opportunity to expand beyond list management and more broadly help to shape the football department’s ongoing growth and success.
“There are already strong foundations that have been set on and off the field, and I’m looking forward to working closely with staff and players across men’s and women’s as we collectively drive our programs forward.”
Mackie was Geelong’s list manager before accepting the new role. There’s no indication of how he will be replaced in that position, although the new list manager will report to Mackie.
Brett Johnson, the club’s former head of AFLW, is now Geelong’s assistant GM of football.
Meanwhile, Lloyd’s promotion comes after he reportedly came close to becoming a club CEO over the last off-season.
It’s understood he only narrowly missed out on the North Melbourne job to Jen Watt, while he will now have an opportunity to transfer his football skills into commercial elements of the Cats.
“I’ve loved every minute of my time at Geelong and leading the football programs. It has been professionally rewarding within football to date and I’m proud of my contribution. Geelong has afforded me many opportunities and I’m grateful for that same dedication now. I am thrilled to take on this new role and challenge, to grow broader capabilities within the commercial space,” Lloyd said via a statement.
Gerard Healy on SEN’s Sportsday added: “I suspect he’s got an eye on being a future CEO.”
The Cats have been linked to multiple players in the upcoming off-season after missing finals for just the second time under Chris Scott this year.