melbourne Demons Eye Football Department Overhaul, Psychologist Departs
Strategic Restructuring Under New Leadership
The Melbourne Football Club is contemplating a notable restructuring of its football operations as incoming CEO Paul Guerra prepares to assume his role on September 8. Sources indicate the club is exploring the creation of a new senior strategy position, mirroring a model recently adopted by the West Coast Eagles at the end of the 2023 season. The Eagles appointed premiership coach John Worsfold to a similar oversight role encompassing coaching structure, player progress, performance analysis, and club culture.
This potential appointment would introduce a layer of management above current Football Manager Alan Richardson, who remains contracted through 2026. Richardson is currently serving on the subcommittee tasked with selecting the Demons’ next senior coach following the unexpected departure of Simon Goodwin.
psychologist Stephen Rendall Resigns
In a separate development,Melbourne’s performance psychologist,Stephen Rendall,has resigned after nearly four years with the club. Rendall, who previously held a similar position at North melbourne, will continue to provide support to the Demons in a transitional capacity until after the national draft to ensure a smooth handover.
Rendall’s tenure coincided with a period of internal challenges for the playing group, notably a complex trade period in 2024 where both star midfielders Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca reportedly sought trades away from the club, requests ultimately denied by Melbourne.
