Essendon's Executive General Manager of Football Josh Mahoney has alerted the club that 2023 will be his final season at Tullamarine.
Mahoney, a premiership player with Port Adelaide and former footy boss at Melbourne, has called The Hangar home since the beginning of the 2020 season, working in tandem with coaches John Worsfold, Ben Rutten and Brad Scott.
Speaking by way of an official club statement, Mahoney explained that he was comfortable with his choice to depart the club at season's end, stating it was time for someone else to step up.
“This has been a difficult decision to come to but one that I am confident is the right for all involved," Mahoney said.
“We are in year one of a new build, under a new coach and in the position as EGM- Football, you need to be 100% committed to the role to see the journey through.
“The past month, I've been reflecting, and have come to the realisation that I need a new challenge and now is the right time to make that move.
“We've made a lot of changes to the football department throughout my time at the Club, including the establishment of our first-ever AFLW team and program. I am confident that with Brad and Natalie as senior coaches, and the experienced team's we have assembled around them, the Club's future looks very promising. I am proud of the role that I have played in helping create a world class football environment at Essendon and there are good times ahead.
“In total, I've been involved at AFL club level for more than 25 years as a player, coach, and GM of Football for a decade at both Essendon and Melbourne. It has been a privilege and I look forward to what is next.”
Exactly when curtains are called on Essendon's season is yet to be determined, with Scott's charges still in the September race with less than a month to play in the home-and-away season.
At present, the Dons sit 12th on the ladder, however, with clashes against North Melbourne, GWS and Collingwood still to play out, the ability to earn a finals berth remains in the club's hands.