The Melbourne Football Club is issuing the following statement on behalf of its Board of Directors.

Glen Bartlett has advised the board of the Melbourne Football Club that after 8 plus years, his “tour of duty” with the MFC comes to an end when he leaves the Board today at the end of the AFL financial year.

Glen joined the Board as President in August 2013 at a challenging time in the club’s history and leaves the Board with the knowledge that the club is now in a strong position on and off the field as reigning Premiers and debt free.

During his tenure, Glen oversaw a range of changes that have played a significant role in paving the way for the successes the club is now enjoying both on and off the field. When he took over as President in August 2013, the club faced a number of major challenges, including;

• A $12.5million debt;
• A business model heavily reliant on gaming;
• A team that had just had the 5^th worst season in AFL/VFL history;
• A need to recruit the right senior coach to work with Peter Jackson as the newly appointed CEO. The recruitment of Paul Roos into this role was an important first step for the club’s rebuild;
• No front or back of jumper sponsors;
• A club requiring a set of club wide values and a strong vision for the future;
• A need for a feasible plan for a home base.

As Glen finishes his time at Melbourne, he leaves with the club now:

• Debt free and with one of the strongest balance sheets in the AFL;
• Having exited gaming, which has allowed the club to realise its property assets and set up a Future Fund;
• A team that has just broken a 57-year premiership drought and is set up for “sustained success”;
• Strong major sponsors in Zurich, Jaguar, Hertz and Akambo Private Wealth;
• A very strong player list;
• A proud and strong women’s program that was a pioneer of women’s football and the AFLW competition;
• With the Anzac Eve blockbuster game against Richmond being a highlight of the AFL fixture, and with the significance of this game being marked by the awarding of the Checker Hughes medal, which quite fittingly was awarded by Glen for the first time on Anzac Eve in 2021.

President Kate Roffey acknowledged Glen by thanking him for his strong contribution to the club in his 8 years as President, including leading the club during an incredibly challenging Covid crisis:

“In April of this year, after serving 8-years as President, having given it his all, Glen felt that with the ongoing demands of a growing business, it was time for him to step back as Club President to focus more on family and business. On behalf of the Melbourne Football Club, its players, staff, and supporters I thank Glen for his commitment, care and passion and wish he and partner Victoria every success and happiness for the future. They will continue to be part of the Melbourne family.”

CEO Gary Pert said:

“Glen can be proud of where the club sits as he leaves it, set up for a sustained period of success and stability on and off the field. One of those area’s Glen was particularly passionate about is a new home for the Melbourne Football Club. As work commences to upgrade Goschs’ Paddock and plans for a new high-performance training and administration facility progress, Glen leaves knowing he played an important role in getting the club to this point, an achievement that the club will ensure is acknowledged in an appropriate way in the new facility.”