By Sam McClure
Essendon have reached a settlement with their long-term list manager Adrian Dodoro after he lodged proceedings with the Fair Work Commission.
A hearing took place at Fair Work’s CBD offices at Exhibition Street, where Dodoro and his lawyers had lodged an s.365 application, which specifically relates to general protections dismissal, including discrimination, workplace rights and absence due to illness or injury.
Two sources close to the situation, who wished to remain anonymous due to the confidential nature of the proceedings, said that Essendon had offered Dodoro a six-figure payout but that Dodoro was asking for a substantially higher amount.
Adrian Dodoro was a mainstay at the Bombers for more than 25 years. He is pictured here with Bombers legend Kevin Sheedy and Dyson Heppell after a round one win in 2017.Credit: Getty Images
A statement on behalf of both parties was provided to this masthead, confirming that a settlement had been reached on Wednesday afternoon.
“After 27 years Essendon Football Club and Adrian Dodoro have amicably parted ways,” the statement said.
Documents had been lodged with the Fair Work Commission and a hearing took place at 9am on Wednesday.
In August, club chief executive Craig Vozzo confirmed to The Age that Dodoro had stepped away from the club.
“In accordance with the club’s transition plan which commenced in November last year, Matt Rosa has fully assumed responsibility for leading the club’s list management and recruiting team during the 2024 trade, free agency and draft periods,” Vozzo said in August.
President David Barham made a small reference to Dodoro when talking about the club’s list management vision at Essendon’s Crichton Medal count in October.
“We have injected more money and resources into list management and recruiting team, and we will continue to support this critical area which is now led by Matt Rosa,” Barham said.
“We now have a detailed list management strategy to guide us, so our decision-making is strategic and well-planned, giving us the best opportunity to grow towards the sustained success that we desire.
“It’s also appropriate that I thank Adrian Dodoro for his efforts over the past two decades and wish him well. He has given long service and will always be an important part of the club’s history.”
Dodoro, a life member at the Bombers, had been with the club for close to three decades, having embarked on a full-time role in 1998.
He had been winding back his role this season after agreeing last September to assist Rosa in the transition after the former Eagle was appointed to the club as AFL talent and operations manager.
Dodoro said in a statement at that time that such roles were “very taxing on individuals and their families” and he wanted to step back to provide himself and his family a better work-life balance.
The Bombers’ list has come under constant scrutiny after a long period without finals success as Dodoro worked alongside six full-time coaches since Kevin Sheedy finished up in 2007.
He also remained during the drugs saga that derailed Essendon’s progress from 2013 onwards.
With Peter Ryan, Caroline Wilson and Jon Pierik
Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.