Cats name footy manager

Long time coach and football administrator Neil Balme will join Geelong as general manager of football operations.

Balme worked in the same role at Collingwood between 1998 and 2006 and he brings a wealth of experience to the position.

A successful coach for over 15 years, Balme guided Melbourne on 98 occasions between 1993 and 1997. Balme was named as the all-Australian coach in 1994.

He also claimed two SANFL premierships as a coach with Norwood (1982 and 1984).

Balme was a member of two Richmond premiership teams (1973 and 1974) in his 159 game career and represented Victoria, WA and SA in state football.

Geelong chief executive Brian Cook said: "We had a large number of candidates for this role and in Neil we have a person with outstanding experience at every level of the game.

He has shown the ability to manage this complex role and has a first hand understanding of the pressures associated with running a football department, managing and working with all levels of a club, coaching and playing."

Neil is excited by the challenges we face and we are excited about the role he will play for us."

Steve Hocking has been promoted to an expanded role as assistant general manager of football operations. Hocking spent last season as the Cats' training services manager.

Balme will be responsible for managing all elements of the club's football department, while Hocking's portfolio has been expanded to include day to day management of football administration.

Hocking said: "I look forward to working with Neil. He has great experience in the football industry; he is known for building strong relationships with players and has been successful as a senior coach and in football administration."

Cook said: "Steve did a very good job last season and he'll take on additional duties in his new role.

Steve will continue to increase his experience as a football administrator and we see him and Neil working well together."

Balme and Hocking will begin their respective roles on Monday 6 November.

Garry Davidson who has served as head of Geelong's football department since 1998 will finish with the club on 31 October.

"We would like to thank Garry for his efforts over the past eight years and wish him well in the future," Cook said.