The football department has changed dramatically since the club’s 2023 premiership, as chief executive Craig Kelly took a more active role and was forced to revamp the football department in the absence of Wright. As part of the restructure of the recruiting department, Adam Shepard is favoured to be promoted to fill the role previously occupied by Hine.

Leppitsch is expected to report to Gardiner under the revamped football department structure.

In confirming Gardiner’s appointment, Kelly praised his incoming footy boss.

“We are delighted to have Charlie join Collingwood, leading our AFL football department,” Kelly said in a statement.

“Charlie played a key role in shaping the Swans football strategy with proven success, and we look forward to welcoming him as the EGM of football.

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Swans CEO Tom Harley – who played alongside Gardiner at Geelong – thanked the departing official for his service.

“We welcomed Charlie and his family to the Swans in November 2019 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,” Harley said.

“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.”

Who your team plays in the AFL Community Series

Geelong fans will get their first glimpse of star recruit Bailey Smith in competitive action when the Cats play Essendon in the opening match of the AFL Community Series in February.

And the Bombers will unveil their new-look forward line, following the departure of Jake Stringer for GWS and the recruitment of excitement machine Isaac Kako in the draft.

All 18 teams will play one pre-season match in the community series, with matches shown on Kayo and Foxtel. See who your team plays here:

Geelong vs Essendon
Tuesday, February 25, GMHBA Stadium, 7.10pm

Richmond vs Collingwood
Wednesday, February 26, IKON Park, 7.10pm

Hawthorn vs Western Bulldogs
Thursday February 27, UTAS Stadium, 5.20pm

Brisbane Lions vs Adelaide
Thursday February 27, Brighton Homes Arena 7.10pm

GWS vs Carlton
Friday February 28, Manuka Oval, 5.20pm

Gold Coast vs Sydney
Friday February 28, People First Stadium, 7.10pm

St Kilda vs Port Adelaide
Saturday March 1, RSEA Park, 3.10pm

West Coast vs North Melbourne
Saturday March 1, Hands Oval, 3.10pm

Fremantle vs Melbourne
Sunday March 2, Rushton Park, 3.10pm

*All times are local

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