Geoff Walsh, one of AFL football’s outstanding administrators for almost four decades, has announced his retirement.

The 64 year-old will step away from his position as GM of Football with Collingwood in mid-December. He made official his decision late last week after flagging earlier in the year that 2020 was likely to be his last with the Magpies and the game.

“I have been contemplating this for some time and as one of my old coaches once put it, the moment you start thinking about retirement is the time to finish,” Walsh said.

“I am ready and the time for Collingwood is also right. I will thank personally the many people I need to but I would like to acknowledge the game for the rich experiences, friendships and professional rewards I have been lucky enough to enjoy.

“It was a privilege to serve the game.”

Walsh twice headed the Collingwood football department. His first stint, between 2006-2013, culminated in the 2010 premiership and his second, between 2017-2020, saw the Magpies return to finals in his last three seasons in charge and miss a second premiership by a kick.

Walsh’s career began in 1985 with Fitzroy. The next year he joined Carlton as recruiting manager. In 1994 he joined North Melbourne as GM of Football and for five years, from 2002, he was the club’s chief executive.

He returned to Arden St in late 2013 as GM of Football before making his way home to Collingwood in late 2016.

“Geoff has been one of the all-time great administrators and football people,” Collingwood president, Eddie McGuire, said.

“He moved with and shaped the game as it evolved from a semi-professional, state-based sport into a professional and national competition. He knows and understands the game like few others do.

“He was with Collingwood for over a decade. We would have liked to have had him with us for another decade.”

In all, Walsh served Australian football for 36 years during which time he shared in four premierships, 10 grand finals and 25 finals series. He was awarded AFL Life Membership in 2016.

“ ‘Walshy’ is a giant of our sport and Collingwood has been fortunate to have had him at the helm of its football program for so many seasons,” Collingwood chief executive, Mark Anderson, said.

“Over such a distinguished career he has held many leadership roles and in each he has delivered success. Geoff has been a tremendous asset right across our club and there are many across the league who, over the decades, have benefitted from his experience, good judgement and counsel.

“His legacy will stay with our football people and program, something that will assist us in the process underway of appointing his successor. His vision for our football future will remain central to our strategic direction.

“We will miss him enormously but we very much respect his decision. We wish him, Jayne and their family well with the future they have planned.”