COLLINGWOOD has appointed Graeme Allan as general manager of football to oversee its football department, with his role incorporating both the men’s and women’s components of the program.
The former Giants administrator has been installed into the job after returning to the Collingwood in the middle of the season.
Neil Balme, who was wooed back from Geelong at the end of 2014, has been offered a position as director of coaching.
The respected administrator, who had a previous stint at Collingwood before overseeing three flags at Geelong, is likely to be targeted by the Brisbane Lions as it restructures its football department in the wake of Justin Leppitsch's sacking.
The club has also announced the departure of assistant coaches Ben Hart and Steve Grace who were in charge of the backline and forwardline respectively this season.
Hart, the former Adelaide champion, is keen to remain in Victoria to continue his career.
Recruiting manager Derek Hine, who built the Magpies' 2010 premiership list, will answer to Allan under the new structure.
Allan has been caught up in controversy this week after it was revealed he was subject to an AFL investigation relating to his alleged involvement in Greater Western Sydney midfielder Lachie Whitfield potentially avoiding a drug test in 2015.
Collingwood said it was aware of the investigation before Allan was appointed.
A statement on the Magpies' website said:
"Collingwood was also made aware at this time that both GWS and the AFL had concluded or were concluding separate investigations into the matter.
"From our discussions on this matter with various parties, Collingwood found no reason standing in the way of employing Allan.
"The club would like to make it very clear to all that if, at any stage, information received about any member of staff that brings into question their behaviour Collingwood will deal with that information with the appropriate authorities."
