The Sydney Swans congratulate Charlie Gardiner on his appointment as the new Head of Football at the Collingwood Football Club. 

Gardiner joined Sydney in November 2018 as the General Manager – Football, working alongside John Longmire. He brought with him extensive expertise from the legal profession after 63 games as a player with Geelong and St Kilda. 

Earlier this year Charlie returned to Melbourne for family reasons, staying on with the Swans as the club’s General Counsel.

Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley has thanked Charlie for his service to the club. 

“We welcomed Charlie and his family to the Swans in November 2018 and he was an integral leader of the men’s football department, up until 12 months ago when he took over the role of General Counsel. 

“Charlie was instrumental in helping the club navigate through the challenges of the Covid seasons, which laid the foundations for a return to the Grand Final in 2022.

“Charlie is a person of the utmost integrity with a great blend of commercial acumen and football nous. 

“We wish Charlie, Melissa, Jono, Teddy and Chloe all the very best for their next adventure”

Gardiner thanked the Swans and said he was grateful for his time at the club.

"It has been a privilege to work at the Sydney Swans for the past 6 years and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and support that they have shown,” Gardiner said. 

“I have absolutely loved my time at the Swans. I have met some remarkable people across the club, and I have been fortunate to share some great experiences with players and staff during my time.  

“I would like to especially thank Tom Harley, Andrew Pridham and John Longmire for the trust and confidence in me to help lead the football program and work with the executive team.  

“The club is well placed for the future with great staff and players and I will watch what the future holds with interest.”