Kyle Hartigan’s journey at Werribee is headed in a new direction after being appointed the club’s new football manager.
This will be Hartigan’s second season at Werribee following his 135-game AFL career.
He joined the club as an assistant coach, where he took charge of the Victorian Football League’s best defence during Werribee’s premiership-winning year.
Having already built strong relationships with players, staff, and coaches in the 2024 campaign, the club said he is well-placed to take on this leadership role.
For Hartigan, this next chapter brings his football journey full circle.
After missing out on the 2009 AFL draft, he joined Werribee for the 2010 season.
He played 48 senior games between 2010 and 2012 before being selected with Adelaide’s first pick in the 2012 rookie draft.
In addition to his new responsibilities, Hartigan will continue as an assistant coach on game days, while Mark Micallef returns to the club to assist with match day operations.
Micallef is no stranger to Werribee, having served as football manager from 2021 to 2023.
Hartigan said it was a privilege to be part of the Werribee Football Club.
“First as a player, then as a coach, and now as football manager,” he said. “It’s a club I’m really passionate about, and I’m committed to continuing building that sustained success on and off the field for the foreseeable future.”
Werribee chief executive Mark Penaluna said they were thrilled to have Hartigan take on the role.
“After a thorough process, we’re delighted to announce that Kyle Hartigan has been selected as our football manager,” he said. “Kyle has a long history with the club, dating back to 2010.
“Throughout his time at both Adelaide and Hawthorn, he remained a club member. After his sensational AFL career, he rejoined us as a premiership-winning assistant coach and has held other roles within the AFL football industry.
“He sees this as a natural step in his off-field football progression.”
