Hawthorn Football Club is pleased to announce it has appointed James Fantasia to the position of General Manager – Football Operations.

With almost 20 years’ experience in the AFL industry, Fantasia has headed up Western Bulldogs’ Football department for the past six years.

Prior to that, he built a strong track record of experience and success at Adelaide Football Club as Recruiting Manager (1995-2007) and in senior management at the SANFL (1991-1995; 2006-2007).

Hawthorn CEO Stuart Fox is thrilled to welcome Fantasia to the Club.

“We’re extremely pleased to appoint James as our General Manager – Football Operations and we’re certain his wealth of experience and industry knowledge will be of great benefit to our Club,” Fox said.

“We have been impressed with James’ leadership style and we’re confident he will fit into the high performance culture at Hawthorn well.”

“James is a quality operator, an outstanding character and is highly respected within the football industry, and we look forward to having him join our team,” Fox said.

Fantasia takes over from Mark Evans, who has joined the AFL as General Manager Football Operations.

James Fantasia career overview
Western Bulldogs General Manager Football 2007-current
Adelaide Football Club Recruiting Manager (1995-2007)
South Australian National Football League – General Manager Game Development 1991-1995; 2006-2007
Norwood Football Club Development Manager 1988-1991
St Gabriels teaching 1986-1988