Stephen Wells has stepped down as Geelong’s list manager, with former Cat Andrew Mackie to assume the responsibility.
However, Wells will continue on at the club as recruiting manager.
The veteran list guru took time away from Kardinia Park earlier this year to consider the next stage of his life before returning as the club’s list manager in May.
The 61-year-old joined Geelong in 1984 and is renowned as one of the greatest talent identifiers in the AFL, having overseen three premierships in his time at the Cattery.
Wells has been a key reason why Geelong has been able to rebuild on the run in the past decade, picking out talented players with later selections in the draft.
His shrewdness was on show when he selected Tim Kelly with pick 24 in the 2017 National Draft, with the star midfielder worth more than two first-round picks when traded in 2019.
Meanwhile, Mackie has been mentored by Wells for the past four years in the list management team after retiring in 2017.
Geelong GM of football Simon Lloyd said the decision had been some time in the making.
“We have been working in conjunction with Stephen all year to look at what is the best set up for both the now and the future,” he said.
“Andrew has taken on a lot of the list management responsibilities through the year and we all believe he is ready to take that role on a full-time basis.
“At the same time, we are really pleased that Stephen will continue as our recruiting manager. He continues to be at the top of his profession and still has the enthusiasm and drive to continue. Stephen will also be a good sounding board for Andrew and others in the team.
“Stephen and Andrew have a strong relationship and work well together. This structure will stand the club in good stead for years to come.”
The Cats bombed out in the Preliminary Finals in 2021 but still believe they have the list to compete for a flag in 2022.