The Melbourne Football Club and its former president Glen Bartlett have reached a legal settlement, ending a prolonged defamation dispute that has cast a shadow over the club since Bartlett's controversial departure in 2021.
The resolution was facilitated through mediation led by prominent litigation lawyer Leon Zwier, with AFL CEO Andrew Dillon playing a crucial role in the discussions.
The settlement, announced late Thursday night, brings to a close the defamation proceedings Bartlett had launched against both the Demons and the AFL.
Bartlett's legal action, initiated in 2022 against several Melbourne board members and extended to the AFL in October 2024, centred on statements made following his abrupt exit as club president.
His legal team argued these statements misrepresented his leadership, particularly his efforts to address cultural concerns at the club.
In a joint statement, all parties expressed relief at resolving the matter, acknowledging the strain the disputes had caused over the past three years.
"The last three years have been difficult and stressful for all involved. We are sorry for the hurt caused and recognise that the situation could have been handled differently," the statement read.
Bartlett, who led Melbourne from 2013 to 2021, played a key role in guiding the club toward its 2021 premiership, their first in 57 years. However, his departure was marred by internal conflicts, with reports of cultural issues and boardroom disputes preceding his exit.
His legal team, represented by Clayton Utz, contended that these issues were a significant factor in his removal, which was orchestrated by a faction within the club's board.
The controversy deepened with the emergence of allegations regarding senior coach Simon Goodwin's off-field conduct, including rumours of illicit drug use.
These claims, investigated during Bartlett's presidency, were found to be false. The joint statement emphasised that the allegations were baseless and acknowledged the distress they caused to Goodwin and his family.
"We deeply regret the pain caused by these unfounded rumours. Simon Goodwin remains a highly respected and valued coach," the statement said.
The legal settlement marks the end of a disruptive chapter for Melbourne, which, despite their triumphant drought-breaking flag in 2021, has faced several off-field challenges since.
The club has seen significant leadership changes in recent months, including the departures of CEO Gary Pert and former president Kate Roffey.
Bartlett's departure, followed by publicised disputes involving key players and cultural issues, had created an unsettled atmosphere at the club.
In his remarks, Bartlett expressed a desire to remain involved in the football industry, with potential roles in governance, particularly in Western Australia, where he is currently a candidate for a position on the West Australian Football Commission.
This settlement concludes a fractious period for Melbourne and offers an opportunity for the club to refocus on its match day performance. The resolution will hopefully allow Melbourne to close the chapter on a difficult legal battle and look ahead to building stability and success in the upcoming seasons.