FORMER Australian Test cricketer Simon Katich will work as a mentor to Greater Western Sydney players after accepting a role as the club's development coordinator.
Katich, who played 56 Test matches for Australia between 2001-10, has previously mentored young Giant Stephen Coniglio.
Coniglio, like Katich, had to relocate from his home state of Western Australia to Sydney for his sporting career.
The former New South Wales captain will deliver programs and initiatives to deliver on and off-field leadership, as well as mentor the players.
He will also be involved in the selection and development of the leadership group.
Katich met the players at the start of last season when he was asked to address them with fellow former Australian cricketer Steve Waugh.
The holder of a commerce degree from the University of Western Australia said he was keen to start his role full time in February when the summer Big Bash competition was over.
Katich will play for the Perth Scorchers this season.
"I am a passionate AFL person and with my cricket playing career coming towards a close, it is timely to pursue my management career," he told the club's website.
"I am passionate about the opportunity to help develop a young and talented playing group.
"With a new head coach in Leon Cameron and some fantastic recruits including Heath Shaw and Shane Mumford, the club has an exciting future and I look forward to being part of it."
Katich was a member of the Australian Cricketers' Association executive between 2007-13.
Chief executive David Matthews said Katich's role would help bridge programs from the club's academy to the NEAFL, and through to the AFL.
"Simon has played sport at the highest level, has proven leadership credentials and will be a great asset for our club to help develop our young playing group," Matthews said.
"We are building a strong, team-oriented culture throughout the club. Simon knows what it takes to win and he also knows how important it is to build a good culture and be part of a team.
"He will work closely in the selection and development of the club leadership group and also with individual players to implement strategies and techniques to consistently deliver high performance outcomes.
"As someone who relocated from WA to Sydney for his own career, Simon understands the resilience required to settle into a group and develop to your full potential."
Katich will work at the club in a part time capacity until the end of the Big Bash.
He will be working closely with Cameron, football manager Graeme Allan and academy coach Mark McVeigh.