Carlton has announced that Andrew Russell, their Director of High Performance, will step away from football at the conclusion of the 2024 AFL season.
After 26 years in the AFL industry, including the last six seasons with the Blues, Russell will retire when his contract expires at season's end.
Russell, a respected figure in AFL circles, joined Carlton in 2018 following successful stints at Essendon, Port Adelaide and Hawthorn. His career achievements include six premierships and significant contributions to the high-performance programs of each club he has served.
"Andrew has been a key leader at our club and within the industry over a long period of time, achieving six premierships across his career," Carlton General Manager of Football Brad Lloyd said.
"We have seen significant transformation in our group during the past six years, and his passion, dedication, and commitment to our players have been outstanding."
After 26 years in the AFL, Andrew Russell will step away from football at the end of our 2024 campaign.
The Club thanks โJackโ for his commitment over the past six years and wishes him all the best for whatโs next beyond this season.
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) August 7, 2024
Despite his impressive resume, Russell's departure coincides with Carlton facing one of the most challenging injury crises in the league.
The club has endured a spate of soft tissue injuries, impacting key players like Adam Cerra, who recently suffered his third hamstring injury of the season. This year, Carlton has lost 131 games to injuries among their best 22 players, second only to Richmond, the league's 2024 bottom-dwellers.
Reflecting on his tenure at Carlton, Russell expressed pride in the progress the club has made both on and off the field.
"The transformation that has taken place at the Club, on and off the field, has been significant," Russell said.
"To see the athletes emerge as professionals, their drive and commitment towards a common goal now is really powerful. It has been fantastic to be part of their development over time."
Russell is eager to explore new opportunities beyond football, having spent nearly three decades of his life in the AFL environment.
"Just like I've challenged hundreds of athletes to be their best, the time is right to challenge myself, step outside an industry I have been in since I was 21, and pursue the next challenge in high performance," he added.
Carlton will begin the search for a new high-performance leader, aiming to find a successor who can build the Blues fitness through their premiership window and help guide the team through its current injury struggles.
