Melbourne AFL Forward and Ruck Coach Greg Stafford will depart the club to pursue other opportunities at season’s end.

Stafford, who initially joined Melbourne as Ruck Coach in late 2013, has been a pivotal figure in the development of the club’s ruck and forward divisions over the past decade.

“I feel extremely fortunate to have had such a wonderful time at the Melbourne Football Club,” Stafford said.

“The relationships I’ve built, both on and off the field, have been extremely special. To work with the players and staff of the highest quality over such a long period is rare in football, and I’m forever thankful for the support and commitment we’ve all shown toward achieving success.

“My passion for working with teams and individuals to reach their full potential has been a key driver for me in my career.

“Whether it's developing young talent or fostering a strong team culture, this work has always been rewarding. As I move forward, I'm excited to continue exploring new opportunities to help others grow and succeed."

General Manager of AFL Performance, Alan Richardson, expressed his gratitude for Stafford's significant contribution to the red and blue.

"Greg has been an integral part of our coaching team for more than ten years, and we are thankful for his dedication and hard work," Richardson said.

"His expertise and commitment have been vital in the development of our talls, particularly our captain Max Gawn, who has thrived under Greg's guidance."

Richardson highlighted Stafford's role in the club's recent successes, including the 2021 AFL premiership.

"Greg's efforts were instrumental in our 2021 premiership victory. His ability to lead and guide the forward line through that time has had lasting impact on our players.

“We are incredibly grateful for his time with us, and he will always be welcome back as a Melbourne person."

Stafford played 204 AFL matches with Sydney and Richmond prior to joining Melbourne, and departs after 11 seasons as a coach.