North Melbourne has bolstered its football department with the appointment of Daniel McPherson to the newly created role of General Manager of Football Performance.
As part of a restructure of the club’s football department, McPherson will work side by side with current General Manager of Football Brady Rawlings, who will become the club’s General Manager of Football Talent, overseeing recruitment, list management and Total Player Payments.
McPherson crosses over from Melbourne, where he was the General Manager of Football Operations, AFL, AFLW, VFL and VFLW. He entered their program as an assistant coach for the 2014 season.
A key driver in the Demons’ progression to becoming a competitive side, and ultimately premiers, McPherson also played over 100 games for the Sydney Swans.
In his new role at North, McPherson will oversee all on-field football programs including coaching, high performance and medical, operations, player development and wellness, and soft cap management.
North Melbourne CEO Ben Amarfio said he was thrilled with the appointment.
“Like our Senior Coach appointment of David Noble last year, we undertook an extremely thorough process, looking at dozens of candidates within the AFL and outside the AFL industry in securing this role.
“At the end of that process Dan McPherson was clearly the preferred candidate.
“Dan is very calm and considered and strong on systems and procedures. We were extremely impressed with Dan’s focus on standards and behaviours, detailed planning and his deep football background,” Amarfio said.
“Dan brings a wealth of playing, coaching and administrative experience to the role. He obviously played a key role in Melbourne’s most recent success and that only underlines his ability and exceptional skillset.
“Everyone we spoke to was glowing in their appraisal of Dan as a person and as someone who has a huge work ethic and dedication to constant improvement. We’re thrilled to have him join us.”
McPherson said he couldn’t wait to get started in his new role.
“I’m excited by the opportunity to join North Melbourne as it embarks on a new era of growth – both on and off the field,” McPherson said.
“I feel really aligned with everything that’s been happening under Ben, Nobes and Brady and I’m really keen to roll the sleeves up and continue that work.
“The list is headed in the right direction and the club has made some great off-field appointments to help shape that young group. I couldn’t be more optimistic about where this great club is heading.”
McPherson’s first day with club will be on Monday, November 8.
