I am ready to put my hand up again to bring my sports, digital and technology skills to the Collingwood board. You can read more about my 2021 campaign here
Collingwood Board Candidate Statement
As a Collingwood member, I want to support the club to bring more premiership success.
I believe my skillset and experience can help the club board connect, understand and engage our passionate supporter base to power our success. As a board member, my focus will always be on members first.
I welcome first-time voters to this election, your vote shows your deep care for the club’s future. I voted for the first time last year. Opening up voting rights for more members across all teams will help build a better and bigger club.
In my business Sports Geek, I present to boards how they can grow and connect with audiences via digital. I can bring that knowledge to the Pies board to help secure the next generation of Pies members.
If you’re reading this as a Collingwood fan but not a member, please sign up. It’s the best! I look forward to joining in the Collingwood chant with you at the G next year.
I want to be accountable and accessible to members, you can contact me via [email protected], call me on 0407 047 200 or meet me in the Ponsford.
Got a question?
My background
I have built a business and a reputation in the new media world. Sports Geek has been agile in adapting services and strategies over 12 years under my guidance. I have strong knowledge and networks across sports, digital and technology that can help Collingwood deepen ties with current fans and develop bonds with new ones. My understanding of media, digital and the new emerging worlds like gaming and the growing metaverse will help equip the board with knowledge on a developing space that Collingwood can leverage.
I understand the pressures the modern athlete faces from fans online and how the next generation connects with audiences. I’ve been called on to advise, train and develop strategies for the new digital athlete. Understanding how the digital athlete can deliver on and off the field is paramount for fan growth in the next 10 years as new fans are drawn to the athlete first, I look forward to providing guidance to the board and Collingwood FC to be able to leverage this opportunity.
Through my sports industry network and speaking engagements, I have had access to the best stadiums and fan experiences the world of sports has to offer. Collingwood is in an envious position with a large membership base, I believe my experience and skillset can assist the club in further strengthening the membership base so the club can grow and prosper with a new generation of fans.
My experience across technology, digital, marketing, gaming and esports further outline my skills that can be applied to the Collingwood FC board.
Working in the sports industry, I have seen where board members forget their role as fandom and passion can lead to board members interfering in parts of the club where they have no expertise. I know my strengths and where they can be applied to the club. Clubs (including Collingwood) employ skilled and knowledgeable people for key roles, they need to be supported by the board. The best sporting organisations in the world allow the best in the world to perform by giving them a strong foundation and strategic direction.
I look forward to the opportunity to run for the Collingwood board and serve the Collingwood members.
You can learn more about me here and learn more about my experiences here.
What a year 2022 was!
And here’s hoping success continues for AFLW and Super Netball teams!
How to connect with me
I’m available on most social media platforms and happy to discuss issues facing Collingwood members on any platform or privately via email.
Send me a tweet @seancallanan or message me on Instagram @seancallanan or reach out on my Facebook page.
My Linkedin network is where my value lies as a potential Collingwood board member where I have strong connections in the digital, marketing and technology that can help deliver results on and off the field for the club.
Additionally, you can get to know me via my podcast, Sports Geek. I had Collingwood CEO Mark Anderson as my guest on episode 250.
If we are not connected on Linkedin, please send me an invite. Always happy to connect with a fellow Pies supporter.
Please comment and share the post below on your Facebook to help me have more conversations with Pies members.
Questions
If you have a specific question, please ask away, either by the button above or via social media.
I’ve had a few questions already. Here are my answers to some questions you might have.
Please note these are my personal opinions.
What is your position on the Do Better report?
As a board member, I will support all Do Better initiatives to help all Collingwood supporters be informed to understand why the changes are being made. One report, one meeting or one action are just small steps in a longer journey. I look forward to learning more and seeing the change happen. For me, Do Better is important as Side By Side.
Why are you running?
I’ve long advocated for digital inside sports organisations, and often I present and explain digital strategy at the board level. The world’s best sports teams have board support for digital initiatives to increase attendance and sponsorship and reach new fans. I believe Collingwood has the opportunity to be the world’s best membership organisation. In doing so, it will be able to unlock many opportunities to benefit football operations (increased budgets, favourable schedule), financial (better TV slots, attractive to sponsors) and fans (increased member servicing, member events and access).
Additionally, I want to provide a voice for the Collingwood members on the board. I am happy to discuss all things Collingwood with any Pies fan, which will continue should I become a board member.
What is your opinion on member voting rights?
I raised the issue of more voting rights in last year’s campaign.
I understand the historical and financial significance of the social club, but I think it is time to widen the voting rights, so more members feel valued and connected to the club.
Sean Callanan, 2021 Collingwood Board Campaign
Ideally, this would have been put to the vote for better governance, but I am pleased more can vote. I feel all paid-up adult members should have the ability to vote if we want Collingwood to welcome all.
Who should we vote for?
With only 1 spot available, I’d like your vote.
I’m a team player, and as a board member, I look forward to working with the current members of the board. It’s important that the board has a diverse set of skills and opinions to help deliver the best outcome for Collingwood.
Where can I find out more information about the election
The best place to stay informed is the Collingwood website, these articles are worth checking out:
- Notice of Annual General Meeting
- A letter from Jeff Browne
- Definition of an Ordinary Member (those who can vote)
- Nominations for 2022 AGM – Notice to Members
Voting shall commence at 9:00am AEDT on Friday, November 18 and close at 12:00pm AEDT on Friday, December 9.
The Collingwood Football Club Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held 6:00pm AEDT on Thursday December 15, 2022.
How do I vote?
Look for an email from [email protected] subject “Vote Now – 2022 Collingwood Football Club Board Election“
If you don’t have that email and you think you qualify as a member as described, please get in touch with CorpVote Returning Officer (Ken Dyer) by contacting the CorpVote customer service team on 1300 710 950. If you need my help, please get in touch below.
In the Media
You can check out what I said during last year’s campaign on my 2021 Candidate Nominee page I have archived as I stand behind many of the issues I discussed 12 months ago.
I strongly encourage you to renew or sign up as a Collingwood member. Your vote shows how much you care for Collingwood. I would be honoured to be your representative on the Collingwood board.
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Disclaimer: All information provided here is the personal opinion of the author Sean Callanan and is not endorsed or authorised by Collingwood Football Club.