Dear Members,

I hope you’re doing well and have been enjoying watching our AFLW team put in some incredible performances as they push hard for a finals spot. It’s been great seeing their determination on display, and they deserve all our support.

It’s been a few weeks since we caught up at the Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy night, and like I promised then, the Board and I are committed to keeping you in the loop with regular communication as we build towards a bright future as we look ahead to 2025.

With that in mind, I’m excited to share some updates with you—there’s a lot happening, from a productive trade period to important Board matters and the Football and Board reviews.

Our List Management team went into the trade period with a clear strategy to improve our draft hand, and it paid off with the acquisition of an additional top 10 selection, pick 9. With this year’s draft class being one of the best we’ve seen in a long time, we’re in a fantastic position to bring in some elite young talent that will help shape our club for years to come.

We’re also welcoming two new players to the club: Harry Sharp and Tom Campbell. Harry’s got serious speed and endurance, which will add another dimension to our playing group, and Tom brings a wealth of ruck experience. I’m looking forward to seeing them in action next year.

Now, onto some Board news. Long-serving Director David Robb will complete his third and final Board term at the end of the year. I want to take this opportunity to thank David for his exceptional contribution to the club during his time on the Board. Since 2015, David has been an invaluable Board member, serving on key committees such as the Audit, Risk and Integrity Committee and the Investment Committee. His lifelong passion for the club, business acumen, corporate experience, and leadership have played a vital role in shaping and articulating our Purpose, TRUE values, governance framework and strategy. 

Upcoming call for nominations for the Board

In approximately one week, Members will receive a call for nominations for the Board election. Nominations will be open from Thursday, October 31, at 9 am AEDT until Friday, November 15, at 5 pm AEDT.

It is the responsibility of the Board to provide members with Board candidates and Directors standing for re-election who, if elected, will contribute to a contemporary, effective, skilled, united and committed Board to drive the club’s values of TRUE - Trust, Respect, Unity and Excellence.

I am pleased to confirm that Ms Sally Freeman and Dr Angela Williams will re-nominate for election. 

There are two additional director positions open for election this year.  Informed by the Board review, the Nominations and Remuneration Committee of the Board has been working diligently to identify candidates with the right skills to strengthen our leadership. I look forward to introducing them to you at the time of the call for nominations.

I’d also encourage any eligible members who feel passionate about contributing to the club’s future to reach out to the club. We value all voices.  If you’re interested in nominating to become a candidate for election as a Director, please get in touch with our Company Secretary/Returning Officer at returningofficer@melbournefc.com.au.

Lastly, I want to provide a brief update on the ongoing Board and AFL Football Department reviews. The Board review, by external governance expert Megan Dwyer, is benchmarking our governance against best practice standards.

Meanwhile, former All Blacks manager Darren Shand is overseeing a review focused on the high performance environment and programs within the football department. We are assessing all aspects of our AFL program to ensure we are primed for success. These reviews are crucial for our ongoing improvement, and I look forward to sharing key findings with you by early November.

I want to thank everyone who has reached out to me since I became President. Your support means the world to me, and it’s a privilege to serve you and this great club.

Let’s get behind our AFLW team as they take on Hawthorn in Cairns tonight. They’ve been giving it their all, and they’ve got our full support as they push for finals.

Thank you again for your unwavering support, and as always—Go Demons!

Kind Regards,

Brad Green
President
Melbourne Football Club