Melbourne board member Karen Hayes is departing the club

THE exodus at Melbourne continues, with board member Karen Hayes announcing she would depart the club.

AAMI Park

THE exodus at Melbourne continues, with board member Karen Hayes announcing before the match against the Western Bulldogs that she would follow recent departures Don McLardy (president), Guy Jalland (joint vice-president) and board member Stuart Grimshaw.

Hayes announced her departure at the club’s president’s function before the Melbourne and Western Bulldogs clash at the MCG.

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“It is now time for the next wave of expertise to come in to take the club forward into its new direction. Our club has embraced diversity and I know as the board rejuvenates in coming months, the groundwork laid in the last few years, will be reenergised and continued into the future.

“So now it’s about the next phase of the journey, and I’m extremely confident that we are in very good hands with Peter Jackson, our well credentialed CEO," said Hayes

Other departures from Melbourne this season include coach Mark Neeld, chief executive Cameron Schwab and list manager Tim Harrington.

Club president Peter Spargo praised Hayes’s contribution to the Demons.

“Karen has been an outstanding contributor to the Melbourne Football Club for almost a decade and she should be commended for her leadership, governance, expertise, passion and ability to relate and engage with a wide range of people."

"Karen was instrumental with Melbourne’s Field of Women, the Women of Melbourne committee, our women's football program and the Dare to Dream programs and events," he said

Hayes urged all Melbourne supporters to “more than ever stand by our great club, keep the faith and as Jim (Stynes) would say ‘do whatever it takes’ to achieve our premiership dream.’’