One of the West Coast Eagles dedicated and committed stalwarts who has been responsible for recruiting some of the most talented players in club history has today announced his decision to step down.
For 33 years Rohan O’Brien has served the club in a variety of roles in the recruiting sphere including those of National Recruiting Manager and currently as List Manager.
An astute judge of emerging talent O’Brien’s contribution has been significant since starting with the Eagles in 1990 and he has been integral in each of the club’s premierships.
Afforded life membership in 2017 O’Brien felt it was the right time to move on.
“With the recent draft completed I believe it is the right time to make this call,” O’Brien said today. “For the last three years we have focused on attracting the best young talent as we begin to build our list and I believe we are at an exciting juncture.
“We are in the process of a significant transition as we now have one of the youngest lists in the competition and I look forward to seeing the club rise.
“It has been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to be involved in the club and I would like to thank all of the people I have worked so closely with in the recruiting area, the respective General Managers of Football and staff across the club for that I have worked alongside for the last 33 years.
“I would particularly like to acknowledge the outstanding and unwavering support I have received from Chief Executive Trevor Nisbett over the journey and I look forward to watching the club climb back up the ladder.”
Nisbett acknowledged the outstanding contribution that O’Brien has made over the last three decades including his role in bringing in players like Brady Hough, Rhett Bazzo, Campbell Chesser, Reuben Ginbey, Elijah Hewett and this year’s class of draftees that includes Harley Reid, Archer Reid, Clay Hall, Harvey Johnston and Loch Rawlinson.
“Rohan has an outstanding eye for talent, is highly regarded across the industry and has made a significant contribution to our club,” Nisbett said. “We have been very fortunate to have him and I’m sure he will enjoy seeing the crop of youngsters at our club evolve and excel in coming years.
“The task of a recruiter is often thankless and challenging but he has excelled in the field and has done everything within his power to ensure we achieved the best possible outcomes in recruiting and attracting players to our club.
“On behalf of everyone at our club I would like to acknowledge the contribution that Rohan has made to the organisation, the fruits of which we will continue to bear in coming years.”
General Manager of Football Gavin Bell, who has worked closely with O’Brien in recent years, paid tribute to his professionalism and diligence.
“What truly sets Rohan apart is his character and love of the club,” Bell said. “He embodies the qualities of humility, selflessness, and unwavering commitment.
“Ro's approach to his work will leave an incredible mark on our Football Department in particular. He has set a standard that will be a challenge for anyone to surpass and his legacy will undoubtedly endure.”
The club will shortly begin the search for O’Brien’s replacement as List Manager.
