The Melbourne Football Club is grappling with a leadership crisis that has cast a shadow over its season, as reported by Michael Gleeson. The club’s board, operating without a permanent chief executive, faces the potential of a million-dollar payout to premiership coach Simon Goodwin. This has contributed to low morale off the field, with acting CEO David Chippindall managing the club under challenging circumstances.
Chippindall, initially seen as a temporary leader, has been at the helm since former CEO Gary Pert’s departure last November. Despite Paul Guerra being appointed as Pert’s successor in April, he will not assume the role until September, citing commitments to his previous position at the Victorian Chamber of Commerce. This delay has stalled critical projects, including the club’s efforts to establish a new home base at Caulfield, highlighting a leadership vacuum as the team’s performance struggles.
Leadership Challenges and Interim Management
The interim role has been particularly challenging for Chippindall, who was passed over for a candidate without football club experience. Keith Thomas, a respected former Port Adelaide boss, was also considered but was removed from the process due to a controversial social media post. This occurred during sensitive negotiations with Jewish stakeholders for the Caulfield site, further complicating the club’s leadership dynamics.
Despite denials, the board has not ruled out approaching Luke Beveridge, signaling a willingness for change. The pressing issue remains the lack of leadership, which hampers the club’s ability to effectively review its football operations. Incoming president Steven Smith, participating remotely in board meetings from Europe, underscores the club’s ongoing leadership challenges.
Internal Struggles and Staffing Decisions
Brad Green, who has resisted the label of interim president, faces pressure as the club navigates these turbulent times. The involvement of Darren Shand, a former All Blacks manager, in a post-season review last year did little to instigate meaningful change. The club’s football department has been marked by unusual staffing decisions, such as Clare Pettyfor’s appointment to multiple roles following Marcus Wagner’s departure.
Mark Williams, a highly paid development coach, and Selwyn Griffith, the high-performance boss, are both out of contract. Williams, credited for his role in the 2021 triumph, has faced challenges balancing his AFL and VFL duties. The decision to move Troy Chaplin from defense to forwards coach has not yielded the desired results, and Reece Conca’s dual role as player development manager and match-day runner has raised concerns about conflicts of interest.
Behavioral Issues and Public Leadership
The club has also faced behavioral and cultural issues, including allegations of substance abuse among players. Clayton Oliver’s troubled summer required intervention from the AFL’s mental health team, with media boss Matt Goodrope stepping in to provide daily support. However, his qualifications for this role have been questioned.
Coach Goodwin and captain Max Gawn have shouldered public leadership responsibilities throughout the season. Following a disappointing final quarter against St Kilda, Goodwin expressed confidence in the team’s ability to overcome challenges, stating,
“We have been able to go through these challenges before with clarity and strength and stability to create success.”
As the club navigates these turbulent waters, the focus remains on stabilizing leadership and addressing internal challenges to regain its footing both on and off the field.
