Assistant coach Brendan McCartney to depart Melbourne

Melbourne’s off-season coaching changes have started with development and strategy guru Brendan McCartney departing the Demons.

Melbourne assistant coach Brendan McCartney will depart the club at season’s end.

After five years at the Demons, the highly-respected development and strategy guru will leave AAMI Park to pursue other opportunities.

McCartney left on good terms with the club and senior coach Simon Goodwin.

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Goodwin has thanked McCartney for his efforts helping lift Melbourne from one of the darkest chapters in the club’s history when he joined forces with Paul Roos at Melbourne in 2015.

McCartney wants to remain in football and has flagged an interest in a position helping guide and mentor coaches and teaching the game at all levels.

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin with assistant Brendan McCartney. Picture: Michael Klein.

McCartney, 58, played a key role in Geelong’s premiership dynasty and spent three years as senior coach of the Western Bulldogs.

He was also credited with helping fast-track the development of Melbourne star onballer Clayton Oliver as part his stunning 2018 season.

But Melbourne made key changes to its coaching structure over the mid-season bye with an eye to next year.

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McCartney was moved from defensive coach to a mentoring role with all of the AFL and VFL team assistant coaches.

The club had not ruled out more changes to its off-field staff in response to a disappointing 2019 season with the Dees in second-last spot on the ladder.

Melbourne is one of the clubs keen to hold discussions with sacked Carlton senior coach Brendon Bolton about a position for next season.

They have already won the race for fitness boss Darren Burgess.