MELBOURNE president Don McLardy has announced that an internal board review will be conducted immediately on its incumbent directors.   

Speaking at his president’s function before Melbourne’s Queen’s Birthday clash against Collingwood at the MCG, McLardy said he and the board took “full responsibility for the position we find ourselves in and in no way deviate from that”. He added that the board would be “critically assessing their own performance”.

“It was agreed at last Monday’s meeting that board member, John Trotter, a former managing partner of Deloitte, will lead the board assessment,” McLardy said.  

“John, who joined the board in November 2010, has significant corporate governance experience and expertise obtained over many years. He will be assisted where required by new board member Geoff Freeman and CEO Peter Jackson.

“The scope of the assessment will include board processes, structures and alignment to the future direction and objectives of the club. The assessment will also include a review of the current number of directors, the balance of skills and the structure of sub committees.”

McLardy said Trotter will “welcome the input of any passionate Demon supporters who believe they may have the attributes to help take the club forward”.

“Indeed, we have already had several discussions with interested and committed members who have something to offer. The board must be rejuvenated, but without jeopardising the key relationships and strategic partnerships that have been built,” he said.

Trotter will present the findings and recommendations of the assessment to the board at a scheduled meeting in late June. The recommendations will be shared with members soon after that meeting.

McLardy said some of the developments from last week reinforced to him that the club’s members “deserved to see a clear path forward for our club, with new direction and energy as soon as possible”.

“The board has made it clear we are reviewing all positions and structures, and I have personally spoken [about this] ... several times to help you understand the complexities involved with moving our club forward. There are good people ... who share your passion but understand the bigger picture – it is time you started listening to them,” he said.

But McLardy said he was “extremely pleased” that Peter Jackson had extended his tenure as chief executive until at least the end of 2014.

“This is an extremely important first step in our club overhaul and I’d like to thank Peter for making this commitment. His enthusiasm, experience and knowledge will be a great asset to our club,” he said.

Meanwhile, McLardy said this is Melbourne’s home match against Collingwood was its “most important game financially for the year”.

He added that Collingwood president Eddie McGuire, overseas for today’s game, had given him his personal support for this game to remain a key part of the AFL’s fixture.