Blues name Nick Austin as new list boss

Carlton has poached Western Bulldogs recruiting manager Nick Austin to take over its vacant list boss role following Stephen Silvagni's departure.

Austin, the son of Blues 1979 premiership player Rod Austin, has 15 years of experience in AFL circles.

He started at the Western Bulldogs as an opposition analyst before joining Port Adelaide in the same role then heading to Richmond as its list management and recruiting officer.

Austin moved back to Whitten Oval in 2018 and recruited first-round picks Bailey Smith and Cody Weightman.

He was thrilled to get the opportunity to lead the rising club.

“To join such a great football club and be part of helping the Blues rise up the ladder is a fantastic opportunity – I can’t wait to get started,” Austin told carltonfc.com.au. 

“This playing group is entering an exciting stage. There is some real talent here for Carlton fans to be excited about and as a recruiting team we will constantly look to add to that talent and bring quality players to Ikon Park.”

It is believed that Austin's chief responsibility at Ikon Park will be player acquisition, with his ability to identify talent among the chief reasons for his appointment, according to AFL.com.au.. Paul Brodie set to remain as national recruiting manager.

Austin will reportedly commence his new role at Carlton at the club's pre-season training camp in Mooloolaba next week.

Sivagni departed Carlton in December after five years at the helm due to conflicts with his sons, Jack and Ben, being on the list.