CHAIRMAN Glen Bartlett says Melbourne is entering “undoubtedly one of the most exciting times in the club’s recent history”.

Speaking at Melbourne’s season launch at Crown in front of more than 600 people, Bartlett said there was a “real sense of belief within the club”.

“We have great faith in our strategic direction and I get confidence from the people and hard work I see behind the scenes – all contributing to making us a great club again,” he said.

“[Chief executive] Peter [Jackson] has implemented a real sense of alignment across the entire business. Along with the work of the board, Peter has helped create the stability we have as a club.

“Peter and his team have also played a significant role executing our club’s overall strategy for cultural change, through their strong focus on people and development. This has been – and will continue to be – a driving factor in the success of our club.”

Bartlett said he was pleased that the club had ensured “a smooth succession plan” from Paul Roos to Simon Goodwin.

He added that the club now had a harder edge and had created the best environment for its players to develop. Bartlett said Goodwin had been surrounded by experienced football people and now had a playing list that had improved and would to build.

“I believe we have achieved all of these goals – and they have been significant achievements in their own right – it has just got us to where we are now, which is exactly where we planned to be as a club,” he said.

“We are no more or less advanced – we are exactly where we thought we’d be. We are happy with our progress but as an entire group, far from satisfied. We are under no illusions about how much hard work is ahead for this club to achieve the sustained success we are after. We are focused on following our plan.

“We know there will be ups and downs along the way, but we know when the noise comes, negative and positive – because it will – we will not be distracted, because we have great faith in our people and the strategy we have in place. We are focused on ‘keeping our heads down, like Demons and getting the job done’.

“I look forward to what lies ahead, and as chairman, I am determined as ever to drive this club forward to deliver what we all so badly want … to make this club great. It’s going to be a hell of a journey. Stay with us is my advice.”

Bartlett was also full praise for Melbourne’s AFL Women’s team.

“Your passion for the game of AFL football has been contagious and it’s been great to see the overwhelming support for the competition,” he said.

“Although I know you still have plenty to achieve this season, I would like to congratulate the team on your success and effort so far, and wish you well for the last three games of season and hopefully more.”