Four-time premiership hero Jarryd Roughead is returning home to the brown and gold in a new role as Player Acquisition Manager – Trade and Free Agency.

Following his retirement in 2019, Roughead has been working in a number of roles with St Kilda, including mentoring, coaching, and more recently, in the list management and recruiting department.

The Hawthorn fan favourite played 283 games across his 15-year career, which included two All Australian jackets (2013 & 2014) and a Coleman Medal (2013), on top of four grand final wins in 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Last year the club made the strategic decision to add further resources to the club’s list management and recruiting team. In line with the club’s list build strategy, Jarryd’s position will see him focus on attracting players via trade and free agency.

Executive General Manager of Football Rob McCartney said Jarryd’s role would be critical in executing the club’s broader strategy.

“We have been very open and transparent about our list strategy and the path we are on to get back to playing finals. We know that having more skilled resources in this area gives us the best opportunity for success,” McCartney said.

“Jarryd brings a skillset that allows us to have a sharper focus on acquiring talent through trade and free agency.”

Part of the club’s strategy that was decided on with the list management and recruiting team last year also included narrowing the focus and deepening the work of the entire department.

Jarryd’s recent appointment will allow Mark McKenzie to have a more targeted involvement and engagement in recruiting talent through the national draft, while also continuing to have the responsibility of contracting players.

“The club is committed to further enhancing the recruiting and list department by adding additional resources within the next 12 months that will strengthen our ability to deliver on our club strategy,” McCartney said.

“Skilled resources in specific roles will be important to us as we continue to build and maximise our list through the mechanisms available in draft, trade and free agency.”