Carlton Football Club announced the appointment of Andrew Russell to the role of Director of High Performance in October 2018. Highly regarded as one of the elite operators within High Performance in the industry, Andrew has been involved in six AFL premierships, including four at the Hawthorn Football Club between 2008 - 2015. Reporting into the Head of Football, Brad Lloyd, the Director of High Performance will play a critical role as a key leader and strategic thinker in the Club’s football department. Following an extensive review of the Club’s High Performance area, a number of recommendations were put forward that will comprehensively strengthen the Club’s High Performance department. Head of Football Brad Lloyd said the Club was excited to have secured the services of Andrew, whose career spans 20 years across the sporting industry. “We have an emerging group and we think we have appointed the best in the industry to physically take this group to where we need, in order to contribute to the long-term, sustained success of the Carlton Football Club,” Lloyd said. “Clearly we’re delighted to have acquired someone of Andrew’s calibre as we continue the next phase of development for our playing group. Having industry experience in High Performance and the opportunity to provide the best environment to enable athletes to thrive, are all attributes that will provide added value to the Blues going forward.”
The growth and development opportunities for the Blues’ exciting list, which has earned seven Rising Star nominations in the past three years, was a factor Andrew considers a key drawcard in attracting him to the Blues. “Having observed the Club from afar, it’s clear Carlton is committed to sticking to the plan that was set out three years ago under senior coach Brendon Bolton,” Russell said. “As one of the traditional big four clubs, I consider the Blues one of the powerhouses of the competition, especially with their huge supporter base, and I have full confidence in where the Club is headed. “With 10 players renewing their contracts in 2018, there’s no doubt the players have complete faith in the direction of the Club and their plans for the future.” Andrew has worked in the AFL system for more than 20 years, first with Essendon Football Club where he was part of the Bombers’ premiership in 2000. He then moved to Port Adelaide as Head Fitness Coach, where he was part of another premiership in 2004. From there, Andrew joined the Hawthorn Football Club as its Elite Performance Manager, where he has been instrumental in the contribution of winning a further four premierships. Andrew commenced in the role in late October 2018.
The growth and development opportunities for the Blues’ exciting list, which has earned seven Rising Star nominations in the past three years, was a factor Andrew considers a key drawcard in attracting him to the Blues. “Having observed the Club from afar, it’s clear Carlton is committed to sticking to the plan that was set out three years ago under senior coach Brendon Bolton,” Russell said. “As one of the traditional big four clubs, I consider the Blues one of the powerhouses of the competition, especially with their huge supporter base, and I have full confidence in where the Club is headed. “With 10 players renewing their contracts in 2018, there’s no doubt the players have complete faith in the direction of the Club and their plans for the future.” Andrew has worked in the AFL system for more than 20 years, first with Essendon Football Club where he was part of the Bombers’ premiership in 2000. He then moved to Port Adelaide as Head Fitness Coach, where he was part of another premiership in 2004. From there, Andrew joined the Hawthorn Football Club as its Elite Performance Manager, where he has been instrumental in the contribution of winning a further four premierships. Andrew commenced in the role in late October 2018.