GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 04: Jimmy Bartel of the Cats shakes hands with former teammate Steve Johnson of the Giants during the 2016 AFL Round 11 match between the Geelong Cats and the GWS Giants at Simonds Stadium on June 4, 2016 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Former Geelong great Jimmy Bartel will join the GWS board for the 2019 season.

The 35-year old has held a variety of business roles since retiring in 2016 and is part owner of apparel brand X-Blades.

Giants chairman Tony Shepherd was pleased to bring a figure of the triple-premiership Cat's ilk to the club.

“Jimmy is regarded as one of the most well-rounded people in the football community and we’re delighted to have him join our Board,” Shepherd told the club website.

“His knowledge of the AFL industry is second to none and his work in the community and in business sees him well positioned to contribute to the club in a range of ways.

“Jimmy understands that we’re a young club with enormous opportunity in front of us, something he is excited to be a part of.”

Bartel will continue with his current business and media roles on top of his duties at the Giants.