Just ahead of Melbourne's match against Geelong in Round Four, Melbourne Demons president Glen Bartlett announced during his president's address at the MCG, that he would step aside as club president. He does intend to stay involved at the board level. Bartlett, who has been at the helm since 2013 and was up for re-election in six months, said he believes the time was right to step down. Co vice-presidents Kate Roffey and Mohan Jesudason are believed to be the candidates to take over on an interim basis.
Club CEO Gary Pert confirmed the news to foxfooty.com.au in an email late Saturday night so as not to distract the players or coaches from the Sunday game. Former Demon Jordan Lewis, who does footy commentary for Fox, said of Bartlett, “The beauty about Glen was he wasn’t really seen. He was in the background and provided great stability for a club that was on its knees. He’s done a fantastic job and has always been good to me. I love how he’s staying on the board because he has plenty more to offer.”
When Bartlett arrived at Melbourne, Mark Neeld had just been sacked, the club was in disarray and over $8 million in debt. That debt has since been eliminated. He was key to luring former Sydney coach Paul Roos to the club and helped formulate the succession plan which saw Roos hand over the senior coach role to current coach Simon Goodwin. Under Goodwin, the Demons made it to a Preliminary Final in 2018. He also lured former team captain Brad Green back to the club as a director in 2020.
Many clubs have abandoned their gambling ventures. Bartlett announced earlier this year that Melbourne would follow suit. One of their clubs has been sold to the Moonee Valley Racing Club while another will not be renewed after 2022.
Some of his other accomplishments include the AFLW team, returning the team to the MCG, and programs for board-ready women. The board, of which he will now be a part, is also working toward a solution to bring the football and administrative departments under one roof. In February of this year, after feedback from female members, he changed his title from chairman to president.
Source: foxsports.com.au
Article last changed on Monday, April 12, 2021 - 6:41 PM EDT