The Western Bulldogs have appointed experienced recruiter Nick Austin as their new National Recruiting Manager.

Austin arrives at VU Whitten Oval with over a decade of experience in the AFL industry in recruiting, list management, opposition analysis and player welfare, and returns to the Club after a three-year stint between 2006-08.

Bulldogs’ General Manager of List and Recruiting Sam Power said he was thrilled to welcome Austin back to the Club.

“After an extensive search, we’re extremely pleased to have Nick commit to the Bulldogs, and we’re excited to have him join our team,” he said.

“Nick has vast experience and expertise in recruiting, he has proven himself as a strong leader with a keen eye for talent identification, and we believe he will be a great addition to our list and recruiting department.

“With our recently changed and expanded structure now finalised, we look forward to continuing to strengthen the Club’s playing list in 2018 and beyond.”

Austin arrived at the Bulldogs in 2006 and worked for three years as an opposition analyst with a role also in player welfare, before heading to Port Adelaide as the Power’s Recruiting Officer in late 2008.

Most recently, he enjoyed a six-year spell with Richmond Football Club as its List Management and Recruiting Officer.