After months of discussions, former Melbourne coach Neale Daniher has finally accepted the position of general manager of football operations at struggling AFL club West Coast.
Daniher, who coached Melbourne for a decade and took the Demons to the 2000 premiership decider, will start with West Coast in November in a revamped football department.
Current football operations manager Trevor Woodhouse will share his duties with Daniher from next year.
Woodhouse will be responsible for list management and player contracts while Daniher will focus on the team and operational components of the role.
"It's an exciting challenge and a great time to begin with the West Coast Eagles," Daniher said.
"I believe the club is well positioned to rebound quickly from what has been a disappointing season, particularly given its proud history.
"The club has a terrific young list and I look forward to playing my role in assisting the club's climb back up the AFL ladder."
Daniher's commitment to the club is a major boost for the Eagles, who have already secured the services of Brisbane great Michael Voss as an assistant coach until 2010.
With the Eagles embarking on a major revamp of their coaching staff, current assistant coach Darren Harris has already been told his services won't be required beyond this season and Tony Micale's future is still unclear.
The Eagles have won just four games this season.
West Coast chief executive Trevor Nisbett said Daniher's credentials made him an obvious target.
"We were looking for someone with a strong coaching and administrative background and identified Neale as the best person for this role," Nisbett said.
"As a player and a coach he was a high achiever and has also been successful in the last 12 months as chief executive of the AFL Coaches Association.
"He is a man of impeccable character, someone who will add great value to our football club as we begin our resurgence as a powerful on-field force in the AFL."
West Coast coach John Worsfold had several discussions with Daniher over the past few months in order to woo the 47-year-old to the Eagles.
"He brings to the table exactly the attributes we were looking for and believe he will assist us greatly in our vision for the team," Worsfold said.
"Obviously his appointment is a key strategic development in the broad picture that we have for our club and I look forward to working with him."
