North Melbourne resolution to change maximum board terms fails narrowly at club AGM
North Melbourne’s attempt to allow president Dr Sonja Hood the ability to serve beyond her current maximum three terms has narrowly failed to pass a vote of members at the club’s AGM.
North Melbourne’s leadership has been left “disappointed” after members narrowly voted down proposed changes to the club’s constitution on Thursday night.
Kangaroos president Sonja Hood is set to be required to step down from her post at the end of 2028 after the club was unable to extend the maximum board tenure for a president by an additional term.
Dr Hood had already been re-elected unopposed for a third three-year term – her second as president – ahead of the Roos’ annual general meeting, but the club wanted to make it possible for her to serve a fourth term.
The proposed change was part of a resolution which would have also allowed the club to meet the constitutional requirements for its B Corp certification – a global recognition of high business standards which the Kangaroos have been the first Australian sports organisation to attain.
A 75 per cent majority was required for the resolution to pass, with 73.5 per cent of Kangaroos members voting in favour of the proposal and 26.5 per cent against.
“We’re disappointed the proposed changes weren’t passed,” Dr Hood said.
“Pleasingly, an overwhelming majority of the members who voted supported the proposed changes.
“We respect the ultimate decision and we will take time to reflect on why we didn’t get the required votes. We’ll then consider our next steps on both proposals.”
About 60 members attended the AGM at Arden Street in person including champion past players David King, Wayne Schimmelbusch, Anthony Stevens and AFLW coach Darren Crocker.
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Originally published as North Melbourne resolution to change maximum board terms fails narrowly at club AGM
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