AFL 2023: Essendon football boss Josh Mahoney departs the Bombers

Essendon’s football manager, Josh Mahoney is out at Bomberland, saying he is keen to explore a new challenge but could he be a prime candidate for one of the vacant positions at the AFL?

MELBOURNE. 20/08/2022. AFL. Round 23. Essendon vs. Richmond at the MCG. Josh Mahoney, general manager of football at 3\\4 time. Picture: Michael Klein

Essendon football manager Josh Mahoney could become a prime candidate for one of the AFL’s vacant football department roles after stepping down from the Bombers.

The club confirmed on Friday Mahoney would finish up his position as football manager at season’s end.

Mahoney joined the Bombers in 2020 but had his role rejigged as part of a football department restructure last year.

The AFL has several vacant roles including the football manager role vacated by Steve Hocking and Brad Scott.

It is understood the AFL will split that role into two.

Mahoney is tipped to become a prime candidate for one of them following a strong stint at Melbourne, helping lift the club off the bottom to the premiership, and Essendon.

However, it is unclear whether Mahoney wants to continue in football, pending the look of the AFL’s new football department.

Josh Mahoney has quit his role as football manager at Essendon. Picture: Michael Klein

There were reports Mahoney fell out with recruiting boss Adrian Dodoro but the pair were able to resolve any differences in a meeting in 2022.

The club has been happy with how the revamped football department has performed this year.

But it is understood Mahoney was keen to explore a new challenge as this season progressed.

Essendon will begin a search to find a replacement for Mahoney. General manager of performance Daniel McPherson could be considered.

Mahoney said it was a tough call to depart the Bombers but was adamant he was ready for something else.

“This has been a difficult decision to come to but one that I am confident is the right for all involved,” Mahoney said.

There were reports Mahoney fell out with recruiting boss Adrian Dodoro but the pair were able to resolve any differences in a meeting in 2022. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“We are in year one of a new build, under a new coach and in the position as EGM- Football, you need to be 100% committed to the role to see the journey through.

“The past month, I’ve been reflecting, and have come to the realisation that I need a new challenge and now is the right time to make that move.

“We’ve made a lot of changes to the football department throughout my time at the Club, including the establishment of our first-ever AFLW team and program.

“I am confident that with Brad and Natalie as senior coaches, and the experienced team’s we have assembled around them, the Club’s future looks very promising.

“I am proud of the role that I have played in helping create a world class football environment at Essendon and there are good times ahead.

Josh Mahoney plays for Port Adelaide against Essendon.

“In total, I’ve been involved at AFL club level for more than 25 years as a player, coach, and GM of Football for a decade at both Essendon and Melbourne.

“It has been a privilege and I look forward to what is next.”

Essendon chief executive Craig Vozzo said Mahoney had done well at Tullamarine.

“Josh has done an outstanding job, particularly in helping to navigate the club through the significant changes to our football program that were undertaken at the end of last season,” Vozzo said.

“He has also been instrumental in the establishment of our AFLW team and program, something we are all proud of and excited about moving forward.

“I’d like to thank Josh for all his efforts and for the club-first approach he has clearly shown in arriving at this position.

“He is well placed for the next challenge ahead and we wish him and his family all the very best moving forward.”

Mahoney played 97 games at three clubs Port Adelaide, Western Bulldogs and Collingwood.

Originally published as AFL 2023: Essendon football boss Josh Mahoney departs the Bombers