Former Adelaide Crows premiership captain Mark Bickley will lead the team at Magain Real Estate in a move that could shake up South Australia’s property landscape.
The South Australian icon played for the Crows from 1991 until 2003, captaining the team to both the 1997 and ‘98 AFL premierships.
But Mr Bickley has taken on a new challenge as the new general manager at Magain Real Estate, bringing his leadership experience and values to the business and its customers.
“I’m really impressed with the culture that Magain has created and continues to create for their people,” Mr Bickley told Realestate.com.au.
“The way Magain wants to look after their staff, the way they want to service their customers, and the way they want to ingrain themselves in the community, all those things resonate strongly with me.
“Their values really align with the things that are strong in my value system.”
Mr Bickley has previously provided executive coaching and team culture training to the real estate industry, but the new gig marks his first role in the industry.
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Former Adelaide Crows captain Mark Bickley in action at the 1997 AFL Grand Final match in Melbourne. Picture: Getty Images
His appointment comes at a pivotal time for the company, with his leadership set to guide Magain through its next phase of growth.
Magain was established in 1975 and has grown from a single office to a network of 14 offices across Adelaide and the surrounding suburbs.
With a team of 110 staff, the company sold more than 1,100 properties in 2024 alone and has one of the largest rental portfolios in the state, spanning 4,400 properties.
“Mark’s appointment marks an exciting chapter for Magain Real Estate,” Magain owner and chief executive Mike Dobbin said.
Mr Bickley has joined Magain Real Estate as its new general manager. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images
“His leadership experience, passion for excellence, and deep connection to South Australia align perfectly with our values and vision for the future.
“We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Magain family.”
The company noted that Mr Bickley was known for his dedication on and off the field, and was no stranger to inspiring and leading teams to success.
Mr Bickley celebrating Adelaide’s win in the 1997 AFL Grand Final. Picture: Stuart Milligan/ALLSPORT/Getty Images
Mr Bickley has had a strong start in the new role, already fostering a collaborative culture, brainstorming new strategies, and strengthening client relationships, the company said.
The business expects his experience as a leader in AFL and his strong connection to the South Australian community will make him the ideal fit at the company.
It comes as Adelaide’s real estate market has been one of the hottest capital city markets in Australia, with local homes prices recently surpassing those in Melbourne.
Adelaide’s median home price rose 13.5% during the 12 months to December despite the higher interest rate environment, according to the latest PropTrack Home Price Index.
Home prices across regional South Australia have also boomed, up 13% year-on-year.
In 2025, PropTrack economists predict Adelaide and Perth will have the strongest home price growth out of all the capital cities, increasing by as much as 6% during this year.
