Falcons’ talent lead lands Cats job

GEELONG Falcons talent lead Bree Beckley will take the next step in her sports administration career, accepting a role at Kardinia Park.

Beckley is the new football operations manager at the Geelong Football Club.

She said she was excited to take on the new role in the elite sports environment.

“It’s a nice step going into the elite environment, which will be a big challenge, but I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s been a fast incline the last couple of years and I’m very glad I’ve been able to experience the whole pathway through football, from grassroots through to the Talent League, and now into the top level of elite football.”

Beckley’s history in football included being a club support officer at Leisure Networks and female football co-ordinator at AFL Barwon before replacing Tom Lonergan at the Falcons.

She also played 54 games for the Cats at the VFLW level, serving as captain in 2022.

Her new role will entail a similar role to her work at the Falcons, working behind the scenes to make the club’s football program run as seamlessly as possible.

“It’s going be a lot different to my time there as a player. Coming through as a worker now, I’ll see a different side of the club.

“Everyone wants the ultimate success, so whether it’s on or off the field, I’ll be seeing it from a different perspective than before.”

“I’m extremely excited to work alongside the team. Andrew Mackie and Brett Johnson, I’ll be working closely with.

“I’ve also had some really good relationships at the club as a player in AFLW and VFLW program, namely AFLW assistant coach Elise Coventry who’s been a great mentor to me.”