The Western Bulldogs have officially confirmed the departure of their recruitment manager, Dom Milesi, marking the end of his more than 20-year career in AFL list management and recruitment. Milesi, who had been with the Bulldogs for the past five years, played a crucial role in shaping the club’s list alongside recently appointed football boss Sam Power. His tenure with the Bulldogs follows an extensive period spent at Collingwood, as well as a role with Hawthorn in the mid-2000s.
The 45-year-old recruitment specialist has decided to leave his position to take up a leadership role in grassroots football, where he can continue contributing to the game while also having more time with his young family. Reflecting on his time with the Bulldogs, Milesi expressed how much he valued his experience at the club. He mentioned that although it was a challenging decision to leave after five seasons, he had made lasting friendships and enjoyed the opportunity to bring young talent to the club.
Milesi noted that his career in recruitment had spanned over half of his life, and the prospect of staying in football while achieving a better work-life balance was an important factor in his decision. He also thanked the club for their support, specifically mentioning Sam Power and the recruiting team, and expressed excitement about continuing to watch the Bulldogs from the stands.
This news follows the earlier announcement that Sam Power, the club’s list manager, had been appointed as the Men’s Executive Manager of Football on a permanent basis after initially stepping into the role on an interim basis following the departure of Chris Grant. The Western Bulldogs are now set to begin the search for a new recruitment manager to replace Milesi. Despite the change, Power is expected to remain heavily involved in the club’s recruitment strategies and list management moving forward.