The Melbourne Football Club wishes to advise that Peter Spargo, as the standing Vice President, will assume the role as Interim President following the resignation of Don McLardy.

Peter Spargo has been Vice President since 2011.

Interim President Peter Spargo said “On behalf of the Board of the Melbourne Football Club, I would like to sincerely thank Don McLardy for his profound contribution to the Club over the past five years.  Don stepped up during a very difficult time for our Club during Jim’s illness. Don has always focused on the Club first in all aspects of our life. As President, Don and his family have fully committed themselves to the Club and 

Don was the key orchestrator of the Foundation Heroes program, a program which today has over 460 members.”

In addition, Board member Stuart Grimshaw has today tendered his resignation effective immediately.  Grimshaw joined the board in 2008 and has been a key member of the Finance and Audit Committee.

“I’d like to pay tribute to Stuart Grimshaw who today stood down as a Board member.  He made it clear earlier this year he would have to step aside given other commitment as CEO of Bank of Queensland and President of Hockey Australia. Although Stuart is leaving, his passion for 

Demons will always continue and we thank him for his outstanding service.”

“As we stated last week, the Board has appointed Board member John Trotter, a former managing partner of Deloitte, to evaluate current board processes and structures, the composition and skill of the board and assess the overall performance.”

“We see this as a critical process in the rejuvenation of the Melbourne Football Club Board. As part of this rejuvenation, the Board will search for the very best people to take our club forward.”

“John Trotter will present key findings and recommendations to the board at the July meeting.”