Buckenara, who was a four-time Hawks premiership player in the 1980s and All-Australian, has filled the newly created role of general manager of football.

North Ballarat Football Club chief executive officer Mark Patterson, who announced the appointment on Friday, said Buckenara would head the entire football program.

Patterson said the former Hawthorn recruiting and list manager would be responsible for recruitment, list management and match day operations.

He will also oversee marketing and community relations activities for the football club.

Patterson said while Buckenara was a potential mentor for new head coach Marc Greig, he would not be involved in any coaching duties.

He said the position had been created to ensure all the support mechanisms required by the coaching panel were in place and any distractions removed.

“It’s all about letting the coach coach.”

Patterson likened the Buckenara role to that of Neil Balme at Collingwood, and previously at Geelong.

Buckenara, who also coached the Sydney Swans in 1992-93, was with Hawthorn until earlier this year, having been recruiting and talent identification manager since 2003.

He had a key role in shaping the Hawthorn list, which this year made it three AFL premierships in a row.

”He brings a wealth of more than 30 years of playing and management experience at the highest level of the football industry,” Patterson said.

“We are convinced he will add enormous value to the club. 

“We also believe that Gary will be a fantastic asset to the broader Ballarat community.” Patterson said.

Buckenara was not in Ballarat for Friday’s announcement, but will visit the club for the first time since his appointment next Thursday.

“I am looking forward to this fantastic challenge,” Buckenara, 57 said.

“This is the type of role that I’ve had an ambition to undertake for sometime and while it will be challenging I am  confident that I bring the right skills to make it a success,” he said.

“My wife Annette and I look forward to becoming part of the Ballarat community and developing the club throughout the community and ensuring that the club achieves its football and community objectives in the years ahead”.

The Roosters begin pre-season training on Monday, November 9.

Recruiting is expected to Buckenara’s primary role early as North Ballarat looks to build a list which for the first time in a decade will not be boosted by a part AFL alignment with North Melbourne. The Roos will have a full partnership with Werribee in the VFL next season.