The Melbourne Football club have confirmed an official hand over of presidency from Kate Roffey to former captain and idol Demon Brad Green, as part of a Board upheaval announced by the club.
The development comes amid one of the more tumultuous off-field periods seen at a football club in recent memory, as Melbourne navigate ongoing controversy's in all sections of the club, involving star players, coaching staff and board members.
Roffey's recent interview withย SENย broadcasterย Gerard Whateley has been virally lambasted by the AFL public for the past week, many predicting it to be the catalyst for her eventual downfall as Melbourne president.
Failing to share any information of note involving superstar Christian Petracca's disgruntlement with the footy club, AFL experts and pundits alike were left shellshocked by the apparent lack of internal communication going on in the Demons' camp, and as expected by many, Roffey has accordingly stepped down.
Despite the current crisis, Roffey's presidency was marked by notable successes, including guiding the Demons to their historic AFL and AFLW premierships, as well as overseeing record membership growth.
She shared thanks to those who have stood by her during her time in the role, as well as the Demon faithful.
โAs I finish up my incredible time with the Melbourne Football Club, I pass on my sincere thanks to all those who have supported me along the way โ fellow Directors, CEO Gary Pert and the staff who work so tirelessly behind the scenes, our football department, in particular our Head Coaches Simon Goodwin and Mick Stinear, Footy Boss Alan Richardson, and our members, yes โ especially the Mighty Demon Army,โ said Roffey.
โTo the families of our players, thank you!
โAnd of course, to the men and women who play for the red and the blue โ by far the most rewarding part of a President's role is having the opportunity to know you all and share a hug.
โAs always, I will be sitting in the stands cheering you on.
โMy best goes to everyone for the ongoing success of the Mighty Dees!โ
Kate Roffey will hand over the reins as President to club legend Brad Green as part of a process of Board renewal.
๐ | https://t.co/msv4Cf12Rv
— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) September 6, 2024
Incoming President Brad Green, a beloved former captain and current Director at the club, takes the reins with a clear vision for the future, and a gratitude for Roffey's legacy, acknowledging her pivotal role in the club's recent success.
"Kate's legacy as President is outstanding and we owe her a debt of gratitude. She took over at a tumultuous time, brought great stability to the Board and backed our management team and football department to deliver premierships,โ said Green.
โUnder Kate's Presidency, Melbourne has experienced record membership growth and won both an AFL and AFLW Premiership. Kate has overseen the delivery of strong financial results, as well as steering the Casey Fields development, and the creation of the club's Future Fund.
"As the first female President of Melbourne Football Club, Kate has etched her name among the great pioneers of our game. She loves our members and fans and always has them at the forefront of her decision making."
Green's extensive history with Melbourne, including his decorated playing career and time as club captain, positions him as a fitting successor in the eyes of the club, viewing him as the man to reverse their recent predicaments and lead the charge for future triumph.
โI am honoured to have been chosen as President by my colleagues and proud to continue to serve this great club which has given me so many opportunities in life," Green added.
โI have told my colleagues that I will lead the review process and once it is completed I would like to give the Board the opportunity to vote again on the Presidency.
โThis will be a collaborative reset of the Board and it's important that we are honest with each other about where we have succeeded, and where we could have done better.
โThere is no doubt that we need to turn the faith and belief of our members and fans into results and performance, and the Board stands at the top of that process.
โWe are united by a love for this footy club and I want to bring us all together as one red and blue force.โ
