St Kilda have officially confirmed the appointment of Simon Dalrymple, who will be joining the List Management Team at Moorabbin.
Dalrymple's role is a newly introduced one, that of Talent Identification and Player Movement Manager. He will be working closely with Stephen Silvagni, the club's List Manager, and Graeme Allan, the club's Head of Talent and Acquisition.
Dalrymple has had a long career in the recruiting field, with over 15 years under his belt in the AFL. He most recently worked at the Swans and built up their youthful core filled with superstars. Before the six-year stint in Sydney, he spent seven years at the Bulldogs, including their triumphant 2016 premiership, in which he was responsible for several players present in the side.
Although first reported in December, on Monday the Saints released an official statement welcoming Dalrymple to the club.
Executive General Manager of Football David Misson was very excited to acquire Dalrymple's services as he spoke to the Saints media.
“We are thrilled to have Simon join the Saints,” said Misson.
“After a review of our List Management Team, we set out with a very clear picture as to the type of skills and attributes we required for this new role – Simon fits these to a tee.
“Simon has a proven ability to identify, track and obtain talent, while also keeping a broad eye on the overarching needs of a list.
“We look forward to welcoming Simon and his family to the club.”
Dalrymple provided a statement of his own to the media team, expressing his pleasure in joining the club.
“I'm pleased to be joining the Saints at such an exciting time for the club,” Dalrymple said.
“The vision not only the football department, but administration and Board has for the future is ambitious and exciting, and I look forward to playing a role in that.”
The Saints had already made two off-season changes before Dalrymple's venture. Chris Toce, the former National Recruiting Manager, and Recruitment Assistant Jarryd Roughead left the club at the end of 2023, the latter joining Hawthorn for the year ahead.
St Kilda will look to have a strong start to their season in Round 1, taking on the Cats at GMHBA Stadium.
