The Melbourne Demons have issued a letter to members alerting them that they may receive unapproved material from a club member in regards to proposed changes to the club's constitution.
Following the member's request to gain the personal information of fellow members, Melbourne were required to provide names and postal addresses of members under the Corporations Act.
The Demons have made members aware that they can expect material via the post that hasn't been seen or approved by the club.
The member's request to attain personal information including emails of fellow members has seen the matter taken to court, after an application was lodged from the member to the Supreme Court.
The club have stated that the request comes in response to "proposed amendments" to the club's constitution.
Melbourne recorded a membership tally of 66,484 names in 2022. Members are able to contact the club via info@melbournefc.com.au.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Melbourne stated that the club is "committed to protecting your privacy and is contesting this application."
Melbourne's letter to members:ย
"Ahead of the Special General Meeting next Wednesday, we wanted to advise you that you may receive material via the post relating to the proposed changes to the Club's constitution," the statement reads.
"The material you'll receive is not being sent from the Club, and has neither been seen nor approved by the Club. This material is being sent to you directly from a club member, and as such, we wanted to ensure you were aware of the circumstances under which we have been required to provide your postal address directly to a member.
"In response to the proposed amendments to the constitution, the Club received a written request from the relevant member to access the Club's members register. The Club is required under the Corporations Act to provide your name and postal address to the member.
"An application has now been made to the Supreme Court of Victoria, by the same member, seeking access to additional member information, including email addresses.
"The Club is committed to protecting your privacy and is contesting this application. We have engaged legal counsel to appear in court today on behalf of the Club and will do everything we can legally to limit access to the personal information.
"We will advise members of the court's decision on this matter as soon as it is available.
"The Club is acutely aware of the sensitivities around privacy and data, particularly in the current climate. We felt it important to reassure you that your personal data is secure and be clear there has been no data breach that has allowed any illegal access to your personal information. As you would expect, we will not provide your personal information to the relevant member unless required to do so by law."