In a significant development for the Western Bulldogs, the club has officially announced the departure of recruitment manager Dom Milesi, marking the end of his more than 20-year career in AFL list management and recruitment. Milesi’s departure comes after a pivotal five-year tenure at the Bulldogs, where he worked closely with the newly appointed football boss, Sam Power, and played a key role in shaping the club’s roster.
At 45 years old, Milesi’s journey in the AFL world began with an extensive period at Collingwood, followed by a stint at Hawthorn in the mid-2000s, before landing at the Western Bulldogs. During his time with the Bulldogs, Milesi was instrumental in building a competitive list that has shown promise for the future. His ability to scout and recruit young talent has been a significant asset to the club’s growth over the last few seasons.
However, the time has come for Milesi to take the next step in his career, as he transitions to a leadership role in grassroots football. The move was a difficult one, as Milesi explained, reflecting on his deep connection to the Bulldogs organization and the friends he made along the way. “I’ve absolutely loved my time at the Western Bulldogs,” he said, adding that it was a tough decision to leave. But with the opportunity to remain involved in football while also spending more time with his young family, Milesi felt this was the right move for his personal life moving forward.
While Milesi will be missed at the Bulldogs, he expressed gratitude towards the club, particularly Sam Power and the recruiting team, for their support throughout his tenure. Looking ahead, Milesi shared that he will continue to follow the team and enjoy their games from the stands.
This shift in leadership comes just after Sam Power’s official appointment as the Men’s Executive Manager of Football, a role he has held on an interim basis since Chris Grant’s departure. With the change, the Bulldogs will begin searching for a new recruitment manager, but Power will remain closely involved in shaping the club’s list and recruitment strategies.