North Melbourne needs a cleanout, says former powerbroker Peter de Rauch

Former North Melbourne powerbroker Peter de Rauch has called for a complete overhaul of the club’s administration, saying the club had “a part-time president” and board “run by a boys’ club”.

Former North Melbourne powerbroker Peter de Rauch

Former North Melbourne powerbroker Peter de Rauch has called for a complete overhaul of the club’s senior football and administrative positions.

A fierce critic of the club’s direction under previous chairman James Bray­shaw, De Rauch said it was untenable to have his successor, Ben Buckley, living in Sydney.

“We’ve got a part-time president who lives interstate, a good accountant for a CEO (Carl Dilena), who has helped the club financially but lacks the finesse to run a family football club.

“And they have a coach (Brad Scott) who has failed for 10 years to prove himself.”

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De Rauch added that the performance of football boss Cameron Joyce had been “below average”.

De Rauch, a director during the club’s dual premiership run during the 1990s, said changes must be made.

“The board is run by a boys’ club,” he said.

“The club needs a change from the top to the bottom. North has had great success in the past but only with a good coach and a good administration.”

Ben Buckley has been labelled a “part-time president” by ex-Roos powerbroker Peter de Rauch. Picture: Nicole Garmston

He said many supporters remained suspicious that the AFL and some club figures harboured a long-term plan to relocate the club to Tasmania.

“A lot of supporters still believe the AFL still wants North Melbourne to become the league’s solo team in Tasmania,” he said.

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett told the Herald Sun late last year he believed the AFL was eyeing a future strategy for North to play seven “home” matches a season in Tassie, split between Hobart and Launceston.

De Rauch surrendered more than $1 million of club shares to North Melbourne in 2007 as part of a decision to hand control back to the club’s members.