THE Ovens and Murray has appointed Sean Barrett as general manager.
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The 35-year-old arrives in the hot-seat from agri-food company Rivalea after also spending time with Thoroughbred Racing South Australia, Tennis SA and Tennis NT.
Barrett beat 15 applicants, including a submission from AFL North East Border, to replace Aaron McGlynn as the league’s sixth general manager.
Barrett said keeping fans engaged in the Ovens and Murray, which has seen Albury play in seven straight grand finals for five premierships, was one of his biggest challenges.
The Tigers are unbackable favourites to make it six premierships in eight years this season.
“All the leagues I’ve been involved in, and I’m sure the Ovens and Murray is no different, they’re striving to provide a platform that gives every club an opportunity for success,” he said.
“There’s been some really positive moves by the Ovens and Murray and AFL Victoria in implementing the points system and the plans they have for the salary cap for 2017.
“One of the things we’ve touched on together is around engagement and the community and how we further engage fans in the sport and help drive attendances at games.”
Ovens and Murray chairman Graeme Patterson said Barrett’s skills in sports development, marketing, sponsorship and event management made him a standout candidate.
He said a cost-benefit analysis, including the fact the league owned its premises in Fallon St, were behind the decision to appoint Barrett as general manager rather than come under AFL NEB’s management.
The East Albury cricketer and former Queanbeyan and Waratahs footballer will join the league on August 15, less than two weeks before the finals series kicks off.
“It’ll no doubt be a baptism of fire to start but it’s a great chance to experience first-hand feature events of the league,” he said.
“Sports management has always been a strong passion of mine.
“I think once you’ve got that experience working in the sports administration side and the events side, the processes are very similar.”