The Western Bulldogs today announced the appointment of Chris Grant to the newly created full-time management role of Director of Football.

The appointment of Grant recognises the rapid growth of the Club’s football department, which includes Women’s football, Next Generation Academies and the expansion of the Club’s VU partnership.

Former Club Captain Chris Grant has served as non-executive football director for over four years, and has accumulated valuable management experience through involvement in retail operations, commercial property development and more recently in senior operations management roles with the Spotless Group.

Chief Executive Officer David Stevenson said Grant’s appointment will play a key role in leading the expansion of the Club’s football department, while continuing the oversight of existing football functions.

“We want to capitalise on the strong foundations which have been laid in our football department over the past few years and look to the future. That period has seen significant growth with the introduction of the Footscray VFL team, the growth of an industry leading sports science unit in collaboration with Victoria University and a much stronger and more consistent AFL performance with a finals appearance in 2015,” Stevenson said.

“We’ve grown from a Club with one AFL team to a Club which now fields three teams (AFL, VFL, Women’s), as well as having some exciting opportunities with Next Generation Academies.”

“Chris’ appointment acknowledges the evolving football landscape, and puts us in a strong position to deliver an elite performance environment for all three teams going forward.

“Chris’ contribution as a non-executive football director with the Club has been outstanding, particularly during a period of unique change for the Club, and we look forward to him applying his significant expertise, in the full time management role.”

“Graham Lowe will continue in his leadership position as GM Football driving the strategic and operational requirements of the existing AFL and VFL programs.”

Grant will commence in the role on 21 June 2016.