Collingwood head of football Geoff Walsh has announced his retirement after nearly four decades as an administrator in the AFL. <\/p>\n
Considered by many to be one of the best in the business, Walsh will officially depart the club next month. <\/p>\n
The 64-year-old made his decision after flagging his intentions to leave the game earlier this year.<\/p>\n
Walsh began his career as an administrator back in 1985 with Fitzroy before joining Carlton as a recruiting manager the following year. Then in 1994, he served as North Melbourne's Head of Football for five years.<\/p>\n
He eventually landed at the Magpies in 2006. Walsh spent over a decade with the club between 2006 and 2013 and again between 2017 and 2020. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
"I have been contemplating this for some time and as one of my old coaches once put it, the moment you start thinking about retirement is the time to finish," Walsh said.<\/p>\n
"I am ready and the time for Collingwood is also right. I will thank personally the many people I need to but I would like to acknowledge the game for the rich experiences, friendships and professional rewards I have been lucky enough to enjoy.<\/p>\n
"It was a privilege to serve the game."<\/p>\n
Collingwood president Eddie McGuire added: "Geoff has been one of the all-time great administrators and football people.<\/p>\n
"He moved with and shaped the game as it evolved from a semi-professional, state-based sport into a professional and national competition. He knows and understands the game like few others do.<\/p>\n
"He was with Collingwood for over a decade. We would have liked to have had him with us for another decade."<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"