The Newcastle Jets and Knights, along with Hunter Sports Group staff were treated to a presentation from AFL’s Geelong Football Club CEO Brian Cook on Friday.
The Newcastle Jets and Newcastle Knights, along with Hunter Sports Group staff were treated to a presentation from AFL-s Geelong Football Club CEO Brian Cook on Friday.
Cook was the CEO of the West Coast Eagles from 1990 up until his appointment at Geelong in 1999. Both Clubs when he took over had financial issues and weren-t performing strongly on field.
His presentation to Team Newcastle today was based around the processes he put in place and the business plan titled “Good to Great” that has evolved in the years since he started and seen the Geelong Football Club start to win both on and off the field.
“It is fantastic to hear from someone like Brian, who has been at a similar place to us right now, and receive advise on how they have done it,” Knights CEO Matthew Gidley said.
“We think Geelong are quite like us; a regional centre outside, but not far from the hub of headquarters and code.
“We can certainly learn a lot from where Brian and his staff have brought their Club to where they are today and we will take a lot out of it.”
Whilst it is evident the Knights are in a change phase, so too are the Jets.
“It was great opportunity to hear from a CEO who has been there to build the Club to achieve success both on and off the field,” Jets CEO Robbie Middleby said.
“What Brian has implemented at Geelong is certainly something we can all learn from.
“It is an exciting time at the Jets; we have new owners, a new coach, our Member numbers are up, our sponsor number’s positive, and it is up to us to plan for the future.”
The Newcastle Knights Advisory Board has commenced compiling a 5-year strategic plan to guide the Club-s aspirations under the Hunter Sports Group banner.
The plan, when completed early in the New Year, will set out overall goals for the Knights as well as detailed strategies and action plans for their achievement.
A vital initial step in the planning process is consultation with the wide range of key Knights stakeholders from coaches and players through to Member groups and sponsors, and this presentation from Cook was a part of this.
The Newcastle Jets will look to do a similar process.
