Melbourne CEO Gary Pert quits after horror season on and off field

Melbourne is rudderless with the chief executive following the president in quitting after a horror off-season.

Former Melbourne player Steven Smith is set to take over the presidency of the Demons who are chasing a new chief executive after Gary Pert made the decision to quit his post following another horror off-season for the Demons.

In the wake of president Kate Roffey’s abrupt departure, replaced in the interim by club great Brad Green, Pert informed the club of his decision on Thursday as the Demons await the findings of two separate reviews into the club’s operations and culture.

The findings are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks, according to Green who said Pert would stay on as CEO until the end of December lauding the outgoing boss for delivering “a series of significant achievements both on and off the field.”

“After careful consideration of what is best for the club, his family, and his own future, Gary concluded that now is the right time to initiate the search for his successor,” Green said.

“I want to make it absolutely clear that this decision, including its timing, is Gary’s own.

“On behalf of the entire club and Board, I sincerely thank Gary for the invaluable contributions he has made to the red and blue since joining us at the end of the 2018 season. “His leadership has been pivotal in delivering a series of significant achievements both on and off the field, instilling a deep sense of pride in all Dees supporters.

Pert’s move also comes after superstar midfielders Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver were both linked to moves out of the club before being held to their contracts. It was reported Pert spoke to other AFL clubs about their interest in Oliver, but club officials denied the star had been shopped around.

Melbourne chief executive Gary Pert has quit. Picture Katrina Bridgeford

It’s a saga Melbourne captain Max Gawn revealed had started to “wear me down”.

Pert joined the club after the 2018 season and was in charge when the Demons ended a 57-year premiership drought with grand final victory over the Western Bulldogs in 2021.

But the Dees lost consecutive finals in both 2022 and 2023 and had a horror year in 2024, finishing 14th, and have been questioned about their culture.

Green also said he would encourage former 200-game player Smith to replace him as president after confirming the 1981 best and fairest would nominated for a position on the club’s board.

“I will encourage Steven to seek board endorsement to succeed me as President of the Melbourne Football Club at the end of the 2025 AFL season,” he said.

“His vision and commitment to our club are invaluable assets as we look toward a united and successful future.” 

Originally published as Melbourne CEO Gary Pert quits after horror season on and off field