The North Ballarat Football Club has completed the second major step in its move to being a standalone side in 2016 with the appointment of former Hawthorn Football Club Recruiting and List Manager Gary Buckenara as its first ever General Manager of Football.
After recently announcing that former club captain and games record holder Marc Greig will coach the side next year, the appointment of Buckenara will see the Hawk premiership player head the entire football program at North Ballarat overseeing the administration, coaching and marketing operations of the club. He will report to the club’s Chief Executive Officer and work alongside a dedicated group of full-time, part-time and volunteer staff.
The role includes responsibility for recruitment, list management, and match day operations. He will also oversee marketing and community relations activity for the football club.
In making the announcement club CEO Mark Patterson said Buckenara will be a great asset for the club moving forward.
“The club and the board in particular is delighted that Gary has accepted this new challenge for our club,” Patterson said.
“He brings a wealth of over 30 years of playing and management experience at the highest level of the football industry and we are convinced he will add enormous value to the Club”.
“We also believe that Gary will be a fantastic asset to the broader Ballarat community.”
Buckenara is looking forward to the new challenge.
“I am looking forward to this fantastic challenge; this is the type of role that I’ve had an ambition to undertake for some time and whilst it will be challenging I am very confident that I bring the right skills to make it a success,” Buckenara said.
“My wife Annette and I look forward to becoming part of the Ballarat community and developing the club throughout the community and ensuring that the club achieves its football and community objectives in the years ahead”.
Buckenara comes to North Ballarat following a highly successful career at Hawthorn Football Club that included as a premiership player four times and most recently as its Recruiting Manager. He was also senior coach at the Sydney Swans in 1993 and 1993.
Last Modified on 30/10/2015 16:16
