AFTER a lengthy recruiting process, General Manager of Football Operations Josh Mahoney says he is thrilled to have landed Darren Burgess as the club’s performance manager.

“We externally advertised for the role of performance manager two or three weeks ago,” Mahoney told Melbourne Media.

“We were really happy with the applicants we got … and we went through a process of over 10 interviews and then second interviews, and Darren came out on top.

“It’s really good for the Melbourne Football Club to be able to get someone with Darren’s experience.

“He’s obviously got experience across the world but also at AFL clubs and we’re really happy to get him started.”

Burgess comes to the club after spending two years with the Arsenal Football Club in the Premier League and will bring a wealth of knowledge to the red and blue.

“I think that was an additional feature really – all the experience that Darren has had oversees, and the amount of knowledge he brings with him,” Mahoney said.

“But also contacts and the opportunities that will create for our staff and for our players to tap into the knowledge around the world.

“Throughout his interview process, what also came out was the passion that he has for AFL football and the Melbourne Football Club.

“The real standout for us is that he’s really keen to get going. We have to probably hold him back for a few months – he doesn’t officially start until November - but we know he’s going to be doing a lot of work in the meantime.”

Mahoney said the entire club is pleased with the appointment of Burgess, with the Dees’ newest recruit set to meet the players and staff on Friday.

“I think they’re all excited about being able to bring in someone with Darren’s calibre and what he can bring to our footy club,” Mahoney said.

“It’s going to be exciting. One of the features of ours this year was we didn’t want to waste a minute.

“Although Darren starts in November, he’s already going to be working with our other staff on what off-season programs looks like, what our pre-season program looks like, and really get a jump into next year.”