Incoming Melbourne president Steve Smith has confirmed that former captain and player Brad Green will retain a spot on the club's board as vice-president.
Green, who joined the board in 2020 as a director, became president after Kate Roffey's sudden departure in September 2024, part of a "Board renewal" amid ongoing controversies involving players, coaches, and board members.
A month later, CEO Gary Pert also stood down, topping off a turbulent off-season for Melbourne, which included a full-scale, external review led by New Zealand All Blacks leadership guru Darren Shand.
At the time, the Demons were batting away suggestions of a culture problem, yet were forced to face answers regarding allegations of Joel Smith's drug trafficking.
Christian Petracca's life-altering injury in June, 2024, sparked a desire to move, while fellow teammate Clayton Oliver also reportedly expressed his desire to depart the club.
But through the leadership of Green, Melbourne has a revamped outlook on their next chapter, headed by new senior coach Steven King and CEO Paul Guerra.
"I want to acknowledge and thank our outgoing President, Brad Green," Smith said in a letter penned to Demons members.
"Brad's leadership over the past 12 months speaks volumes about who he is as a person. His commitment and dedication through a period of significant change has been outstanding.
"Looking ahead, Brad won't be going far. When I commence as President, Brad will continue to serve on the Board as a Vice President."
Under Green, the club welcomed the results of the review led by Darren Shand, implemented changes to the AFL program, and helped establish the "High Performance Committee and the Member Engagement Committee to ensure the Board remains focused on football performance and members. He has also been instrumental in the club's long-term home base project at the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve. This remains one of our highest priorities".
The wholesale changes at the Demons saw Petracca and Oliver find new homes in the 2025 trade period, as well as Judd McVee and Charlie Spargo.
Melbourne acquired a quartet of much-needed players, bolstering their forward group with Brody Mihocek and Max Heath, while their midfield and defensive stocks were aided by the additions of Jack Steele and Changkuoth Jiath.
Through those trades, the Demons re-entered the 2025 draft by securing top-end Picks 7 and 8, as well as 37 for Petracca.
Smith will officially start his role as Melbourne president at the conclusion of the AFLW season, which will see the club embark on another finals campaign.
He played 203 games for the Demons between 1974 and 1985 and won the Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Medal in 1981.
Smith was also the president of the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC).
