Team GWS is pleased to announce that in 2010 it will welcome former Geelong dual premiership captain Tom Harley.
Harley, who retired from AFL football at the end of the 2009 season, will join Team GWS as a project consultant from February 1, working across several areas of the business.
Commencing on the same day as newly appointed head coach Kevin Sheedy, Harley will lend his expertise to the football department, helping shape the culture and values of the club whilst working closely with the players as a mentor.
Harley, who holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree, will also work within the corporate and marketing departments, developing his skills in the business field. Harley said that he was looking forward to taking this next step in his career.
“I’m excited about this opportunity. To be part of building a club from the ground up is something that really appealed to me.
“I started my football career at the last start up club, Port Adelaide, so I know what it means to be involved, particularly from a player’s perspective.
“Now that I’ve moved to Sydney, I want to be a part of the growth of the game and its development in a market that’s new to both me and the code.
“Of course I still have strong emotional ties to Geelong, so starting my career after football at a club that is new and developing was the right fit for me.
“This is as much about the learning experience and tapping into the great resources at the AFL as it is for me sharing my knowledge and experience.
Team GWS High Performance Manager, Alan McConnell said that he was thrilled to have Harley on board.
“To have someone of Tom’s calibre join Team GWS, following our recent appointment of Kevin Sheedy, will really assist us in attracting more quality people, which is critical as we work to build this club.
“Naturally he has a wealth of experience to offer our young footballers involved with Team GWS. Tom has proven himself an outstanding leader both on and off the field throughout his career, establishing himself as one of the most respected players in the AFL.”
Grant Mayer, General Manger of Corporate Partnerships for Team GWS, described Harley’s appointment as a huge boost for the campaign.
“We’re excited to see what Tom can bring to the other parts of this business. He has some great ideas about building the culture of this club and he will no doubt become a valuable resource to our corporate relationships and marketing initiatives.”
In an outstanding AFL career, Harley played 198 matches, captained the Geelong Cats to two premierships in 2007 and 2009 and was named Vice Captain of the All-Australian team in 2008.
Harley, who was recently married to Sydney Magazine Editor Felicity Percival, will leave for his honeymoon this weekend and will be out of the country for the next four weeks.
