Melbourne Demons board election: Tony Pagone KC confirms he will run for vacant position

As many as 10 would-be board members are fighting for four spots in the Demons’ elections next month, with a former Federal Court judge running on a ‘red and blue’ ticket.

Peter Lawrence (left), Jo McCoy and Tony Pagone part of the "red and blue" ticket seeking three seats at next month's Melbourne Football Club board elections.

A former Federal Court judge is making a run for Melbourne’s board.

Tony Pagone KC confirmed he was part of a “red and blue” ticket seeking three seats at next month’s club election.

The Demons face a hotly contested poll with as many as 10 would-be directors fighting for four spots.

Pagone’s running mates are finance expert Peter Lawrence, who took the club to court earlier this year over its “closed shop” director election rules, and ex-senior public servant Jo McCoy.

Pagone, who chaired the Royal Commission into Aged Care and Safety, said: “I can’t deny that I’m running, but under the rules of the club I cannot give you an interview”.

Melbourne’s strict election rules prevent any board candidate from campaigning by giving media interviews.

Interim club president Brad Green has indicated his desire to serve 12 months in the top job before handing over to former Melbourne Cricket Club president Steve Smith, who is also seeking election.

Peter Lawrence, Jo McCoy and Tony Pagone part of the "red and blue" ticket seeking three seats at next month's Melbourne Football Club board elections.

The board is expected to endorse Smith and freshly appointed casual vacancy director Dr Angela Williams, existing director Sally Freeman and businessman Chris Barlow of 7-Eleven fame.

Former president Kate Roffey quit the club in September, long-time director David Robb is retiring, Janette Kendall recently resigned and Freeman is up for re-election under the three-year rotation rule.

Pagone, Lawrence and McCoy are running as a united block, setting the scene for a competitive race.

“With four vacancies available on the board this year we believe the three of us – together with the president designate (Smith), if elected – will bring the right blend of skills and experience to make us excellent off the field so that our teams can win premierships on it,” the trio said in a joint statement on Tuesday.

The four winning candidates will be unveiled at Melbourne’s AGM on December 17.

Voting opens in the coming weeks.