Team GWS are pleased to confirm the appointment of Andrew Hill as Academy Manager for the newly established Western Sydney talent academies.

Hill will officially commence his role with Team GWS on Monday, November 16 and will head up the high performance academies to provide a pathway for local athletes to an AFL career.

Hill joins Team GWS with a proven record of player development and welfare through his role in the establishment of the Western Sydney Rugby League Academy. As a former member of the Western Sydney Rugby League Steering Committee, Hill also brings with him local insights and strong links with the community.

Hills’s role is to establish up to seven local centres, to feed into the central talent academy, spread across Greater Western Sydney.

“I’m really excited to be given the opportunity to be apart of something from the ground up,” said Hill.

“To be involved with a well organised, well resourced sport and to start something for the people of Western Sydney, that really excites me.

"Our focus is to identify and attract local kids from age 12 onwards to play for the new AFL team, providing the opportunity to stay and play in their region. The new team in Greater Western Sydney will have first option on local kids through the recently announced draft concessions and GWS Club Academy.

“I think the community of Western Sydney love their sport and whilst it will be a big challenge for team GWS I think with resources and the long term vision that the AFL have for the region, I know that the community will embrace it.

Team GWS High Performance Manager, Alan McConnell, said that he was delighted to have Andrew heading up the high performance academies.

“To have somebody of Andrew’s standing in the sporting industry and in the Western Sydney region is a huge result for Team GWS.

“His enthusiasm for the task at hand and the development of our academy structure is an exciting development in the journey of our club.

“He brings values, experience, contacts and a network that will surely enhance the work we are doing to attract first choice athletes from both within and outside our football environment.”