North Melbourne GM of Football Talent Brady Rawlings has shed further light on the mid-season departures of three key members of their recruiting department.
As reported by SEN’s Sam Edmund, Mark Finnigan (National Recruiting Manager), Glenn Luff (Head of Player Personnel) and Ben Birthisel (National Recruiting Officer) have all tendered their resignations from the club.
The Kangaroos confirmed Finnigan and Luff’s departures on Tuesday night, while Birthisel will also be leaving Arden Street, though his exit wasn’t mentioned in the club statement.
“It’s been happening for a couple of weeks … so it’s not quite right all of them made a decision today,” Rawlings told Sportsday.
“I’d like to put that out there straight up. That’s untrue. All three are in different situations.
“We’ve had Ben Birthisel, the recruiting officer, he’s been studying over his time at the footy club, he’s wanting to get into HR. He got an opportunity presented to him two-or-three weeks ago from a recruitment firm and he decided to take up that opportunity, which is a great opportunity for Ben.
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“We’ve got Mark Finnigan who’s been approached by another club … he’s been weighing up that decision for three-or-four weeks now. I’ve been in constant contact with him working through that.
“Glenn did inform us today of his resignation. He’s a great operator, Glenn, loved his time working here with me and for us. He’s decided to pursue other opportunities.
“Ben 100 percent went with my blessing. I’ve been working with him around that.”
Despite the recruiting team exodus, Rawling insists the Roos are “very well prepared” for next week’s mid-season draft.
Brownlow Medallist Gerard Healy says it’s a “disastrous day” for the Kangaroos amid the club’s on-field struggles.
David Noble’s side have won just one game in 2022 and are currently on an eight-match losing streak.