Brad Green calls for unity as Melbourne Football Club board election voting opens

A hotly contested board vote is underway as Melbourne enters a make or break season – and president Brad Green says the choice is crucial to support coach Simon Goodwin.

Melbourne has urged its members to back in its recent off-field overhaul and support the four club-endorsed nominees in this month’s board election.

The Demons have responded to a poor season on and off the field, farewelling president Kate Roffey and CEO Gary Pert, but the club has one more major hurdle to jump when voting opens Monday.

Nine members have nominated to fill four vacancies, including highly-respected former MCC chairman Steven Smith, who is in line to take over as president from Brad Green late next year.

While Smith’s election would be a huge coup for the club, the Demons also urged members to support 7-Eleven director Chris Barlow to help secure crucial funds for its new training base in Caulfield and help grow membership.

In addition, Melbourne backed current directors Sally Freeman and Dr Angela Williams to keep their positions as part of a call for “unity and stability” following a recent review of board operations.

But they will face a fight as the vote, which closes on December 15, promises to be hotly contested.

The Herald Sun last month revealed former federal court judge Tony Pagone KC was running alongside finance expert Peter Lawrence and Jo McCoy as part of a “red and blue” ticket.

Demons president Brad Green chats with top draft pick Harvey Langford. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

The Demons face a crucial season in 2025, confident they have the list to contend for the premiership after back-to-back straight-sets finals exits in 2022-23 and missing the finals last season.

But the next fortnight will be important as the Demons attempt to deliver coach Simon Goodwin and his troops the off-field support and leadership they require to help return to the eight.

The new training base inside the Caulfield Racecourse is also a top priority for the club after moving between the MCG, AAMI Park, Casey Fields and Gosch’s Paddock, frustrating players and coaches.

Green will also lead the mission to find a replacement CEO with potential candidates including NBL chief executive David Stevenson after stints at the AFL and Western Bulldogs.

Melbourne on Sunday night called on members to vote for Smith, Barlow, Freeman and Williams, saying it was a key time to help “shape the future” of the club after a difficult off-season making big decisions on key leaders.

Brad Green chats with coach Simon Goodwin at pre-season training. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Green has led the significant changes in recent months, helping secure Smith to take over in 12 months.

“This is your chance to contribute to a united, stable and successful future for our club,” Green said.

“The board has conducted a thorough process to select these high calibre individuals to ensure we have the right mix of skills, experience, diversity and passion needed to guide the club forward.

“This election is about unity and stability. On behalf of the board, I urge you to review the candidate profiles and cast your vote.

“Every vote matters. By supporting these endorsed candidates, you are helping to secure a strong foundation for the Melbourne Football Club’s future.”

The club will resume training at Gosch’s Paddock on Monday after a team-building camp in the high country last week which finished with a four-hour hike.

The Demons are in good health with only Charlie Spargo, Christian Salem, Jake Lever and new draftee Xavier Lindsay on modified programs.

Voting for the board positions opens 9am Monday and closes at 6pm on December 15.

Originally published as Brad Green calls for unity as Melbourne Football Club board election voting opens