Three names reportedly headline West Coast’s list boss search

A trio of well-credentialed list experts are said to be on the Eagles’ radar.

Published by
Jack Jovanovski

A trio of respected recruiting experts are reportedly among the candidates for West Coast's vacant list boss position. 

Previous Eagles list manager Rohan O'Brien stepped away from his prominent role at Lathlain in December, with West Coast yet to source his permanent replacement. 

However, it appears there is some movement in Eagles circles pertaining to securing O'Brien's successor. 

According to 9News reporter Tom Morris on Monday afternoon, the Eagles are considering three key names; GWS recruiting boss Adrian Caruso, Richmond national recruiting manager Matthew Clarke, and Adelaide Crows list consultant Binuk Kodituwakku. 

Morris added these are still "early days" in West Coast's thorough search, with additional candidates likely to throw their hats in the ring as the process furthers. 

Caruso has been with the Giants for 11 years, earning the title of National Recruiting Manager upon his arrival in Western Sydney in 2013.

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Clarke, meanwhile, has served at Tigerland since 2009, starting at Punt Road as a Recruiting Officer before working his way up the ranks to National Recruiting Manager in November 2016.

Kodituwakku, finally, has perhaps the most intriguing background of the three.

Based in Durham, North Carolina, Kodituwakku has been list consulting for the Crows since 2022 and also presently works for Duke University's football program as the Director of Recruiting Strategy.

The Eagles are evidently doing their due diligence, as each of Monday's three named considerations is well-credentialed in their own right.

O'Brien, prior to his December departure, headed the West Coast list committee that selected prodigious Victorian Harley Reid with last November's first overall draft pick. 

"With the recent (2023) draft completed, I believe it is the right time to make this call," O'Brien said late last year before stepping down. 

West Coast list manager Rohan O'Brien speaking at the 2023 AFL Trade Period launch (Image by Zero Digital Media)

"For the last three years, we have focused on attracting the best young talent as we begin to build our list and I believe we are at an exciting juncture.

"We are in the process of a significant transition as we now have one of the youngest lists in the competition and I look forward to seeing the club rise."

In totality, O'Brien served at the Eagles for 33 years.

Published by
Jack Jovanovski