The North Melbourne Football Club has been hit with a double blow following the news that its National Recruiting Manager, Mark Finnigan, and Head of Player Personnel, Glenn Luff, have both resigned.
The dual departures have come at an inopportune time for the rebuilding Roos, given the Mid-Season Draft remains only a week away.
While a brief statement from the Arden Street side has stated that both Finnigan and Luff departed their posts to respectively take up a position at a rival club and to seek other employment opportunities, SEN'sย Sam Edmund has contended that the walk-out was partly due to off-field frustrations.
Edmund also claimed that North's National Recruiting Officer, Ben Birthisel, was set to join Finnigan and Luff in heading for the exits.
North Melbourne have just been hit by a triple walkout in their recruiting department. I understand Mark Finnigan, Glenn Luff and Ben Birthisel all handed in their resignations today - frustrated at the club over its management.
— Sam Edmund (@Sammy__Edmund) May 24, 2022
Originally teaming up with North Melbourne as the Head of Game Analysis in 2018 under ex-head coach, Brad Scott, Luff rose through the ranks to become the club's List Manager in 2019 before moving into his personnel position in November of 2021.
Having joined the Roos' chorus in 2006, Finnigan has worn many hats west of Errol Street, including his latest role overseeing incoming talent since 2016.
According to 7News' Mitch Cleary, Finnigan - the man tasked with pulling the trigger than brought Jason Horne-Francis across the border less than 12 months ago - is now set to link up with fellow rebuilders Hawthorn.
North Melbourne recruiting boss Mark Finnigan has today resigned from the club and joined Hawthornโs recruiting team.
He joins list manager Glenn Luff in departing the Roos on the same day @7AFL @7NewsMelbourne
— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) May 24, 2022
Within said statement, North's current GM, Brady Rawlings, sought to thank the pair for their work to help sculpt the new breed of Roos playing under David Noble.
"Mark and Glenn have both been valued contributors to the North Melbourne Football Club and we wish them the very best in their future endeavours," Rawlings told nmfc.com.auย on Tuesday.
"Mark and Glenn have worked passionately and tirelessly for the club and we thank them for their work
"The teamโs planning and preparation around the mid-season draft has been very thorough and will hold us in good stead as we look towards next week.
"We will begin the process of replacing the now vacant roles in our recruiting and list management team over the coming months."
North Melbourne can create a space on their list to utilise a selection in the June 1 draft should they choose to place Miller Bergman on their inactive list.
