AFL 2023: Essendon reveals list management succession plan

Essendon list boss Adrian Dodoro is stepping aside after a quarter of a century at the Bombers. See how the club CEO explained the big move.

Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro.

Essendon will replace veteran list boss Adrian Dodoro with new talent and operations boss Matthew Rosa before Christmas.

The Bombers confirmed on Tuesday that Rosa will take over from Dodoro following this year’s trade and draft period.

Dodoro held talks with the club earlier this year about a succession plan after 25 years in various roles at the club, and was involved in the process to appoint Rosa.

The former West Coast and Gold Coast playmaker, who played 207 games, has been the general manager of WAFL club Peel Thunder over the past three years.

Essendon thanked Dodoro for his enormous contribution to the club since joining in a full-time role in 1998.

His recent successes include drafting Nic Martin in the supplemental selection period, trading in Peter Wright with a fourth-round pick and landing Sam Durham in the mid-season draft.

But Essendon CEO Craig Vozzo said the time was right for a changeover.

“Adrian is a highly respected life member of the Essendon Football Club and has made an enormous contribution to the club and the wider AFL industry during his time in football, including assisting to navigate the club through unprecedented and challenging periods,” Vozzo said.

“Throughout his time at the Bombers, Adrian’s commitment and passion to take the club forward in its list management and recruiting, has been unquestionable.

“Some of the champions of Essendon have been identified and selected by Adrian, and we will always be grateful for the important and enduring role he has played.

“On behalf of the entire club we would like to acknowledge Adrian’s selfless decision and we look forward to his ongoing contribution to the club.

“Adrian will work with Matt to ensure a smooth handover and a successful transition of responsibilities.”

Long-time Essendon list boss Adrian Dodoro. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Essendon CEO Craig Vozzo said Rosa was an excellent person to take over the list duties.

“Matt is a high-quality person and leader, and he has worked extremely hard to prepare himself for this important role,” Vozzo said.

“He has done the hard yards to develop a broad skillset and expertise. We are excited to have Matt on board to lead our talent, list strategy and operations functions moving forward, and we look forward to welcoming him, Hayley and their three children to the club.”

Rosa said he was excited about the challenge ahead at Tullamarine.

“After going through a thorough process, it is clear there is a strong commitment to do the hard work required to set up a period of sustained success. I’m looking forward to being part of that journey,” Rosa said.

“This is a great opportunity for me and I’m excited to be able to build upon a talented young list and help this club strive for success. Essendon is a special club with a rich football history and my family and I are excited to be part of its future.”

The big move continues the considerable off-field changes at Essendon over the past 12 months which have included a new chief executive (Vozzo), a new senior coach (Brad Scott) and a new president (Dave Barham). Football manager Josh Mahoney also stepped aside last month to take up a new role in the football department at the AFL.

Originally published as AFL 2023: Essendon reveals list management succession plan