KAREN Hayes has announced her resignation from the Melbourne board, following the recent departures of president Don McLardy, joint vice-president Guy Jalland and board member Stuart Grimshaw.

Hayes made the announcement at the club’s president’s function before the Melbourne and Western Bulldogs clash at the MCG on Saturday night.

“It is now time for the next wave of expertise to come in to take the club forward into its new direction. Our club has embraced diversity and I know as the board rejuvenates in coming months, the groundwork laid in the last few years, will be reenergised and continued into the future.

“So now it’s about the next phase of the journey, and I’m extremely confident that we are in very good hands with Peter Jackson, our well credentialed CEO," said Hayes

Club president Peter Spargo said Hayes had given the club great service.

“Karen has been an outstanding contributor to the Melbourne Football Club for almost a decade and she should be commended for her leadership, governance, expertise, passion and ability to relate and engage with a wide range of people."

"Karen was instrumental with Melbourne’s Field of Women, the Women of Melbourne committee, our women's football program and the Dare to Dream programs and events," he said

Hayes urged all Melbourne supporters to “more than ever stand by our great club, keep the faith and as Jim would say ‘do whatever it takes’ to achieve our premiership dream