Richmond poised to recruit top recruiter
Caroline Wilson | November 28, 2007 | The Age
RICHMOND has waited until after the national draft to secure one of the most highly regarded recruiters in the AFL in one of at least two high-profile appointments to be announced next week.
The Age understands that long-time Melbourne talent scout Craig Cameron has all but sealed a deal with the Tigers to take over the club's recruiting and list management with a view to ultimately handling player contracts as well.
Although Cameron committed to the Demons along with Melbourne's then football manager Chris Fagan one year ago to a three-year term, he is expected to exercise a three-month departure clause in his contract, as Fagan did back in August when he announced he was moving to Hawthorn.
The Tigers, who have been criticised for their recruiting in recent years, have been seeking a new senior football executive to take over the club's recruiting and list management, with Greg Miller slowly leaving that job although remaining at the helm of the club's football department for now.
Cameron was an early favourite of the board, given his impressive credentials, which were bolstered by the fact that he grew up a passionate Tigers supporter, the son of former Richmond player and life member Barry Cameron.
Cameron is believed to have broached the subject of his departure with senior Melbourne personnel but was unwilling to leave the Demons before completing the national and pre-season drafts. He was not available for comment yesterday but is understood to be close to negotiating a term of at least three years at Richmond.
The club is also on the verge of appointing a human resources executive to oversee the club's player development, along with that of all club staff, in a bid to improve the psychological profile of the club's list. It is understood the new position will be filled by a senior official from the Australian Institute of Sport.
Cameron will oversee Richmond's recruiting but the club will also retain the services of recruiting manager Francis Jackson.
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