‘Clear contender’ emerges for Bombers CEO role

AFL administrator Travis Auld has emerged as a “clear contender” for the Essendon chief executive role, according to Caroline Wilson.

The Bombers are on the hunt for a new CEO following Xavier Campbell’s resignation.

Auld, who’s the head of finance, clubs and broadcasting at the AFL, has been viewed as a potential successor to Gillon McLachlan as the league’s CEO.

Auld spent 10 years at the Bombers in a variety of roles before his appointment as Gold Coast’s inaugural CEO in 2009.

“There are all sorts of names that are coming up for the CEO role,” Wilson told Sportsday.

“One clear contender, according to Essendon people, is someone who left the club as deputy CEO and is now working at the AFL.

“And that’s Travis Auld.”

Wilson expects Essendon GM of Football Josh Mahoney to stay at the club under new president David Barham.

There’s been significant change at Tullamarine with Campbell, former president Paul Brasher and Simon Madden quitting the board, while Peter Allen and Sean Wellman will also depart.

“The big question now is the future of Josh Mahoney and Adrian Dodoro,” Wilson said.

“I’m convinced now that Josh Mahoney is going to be part of the rebuilding of the Essendon Football Club.

“I’m not sure what’s going on with Adrian Dodoro, but I’m absolutely convinced now that despite reports of Josh Mahoney’s future being under a cloud, I believe he’s going to stay at Essendon and help rebuild the club.”

Essendon is also looking for a new senior coach after Ben Rutten was relieved of his duties with a year to run on his contract.

– BY ALEX ZAIA/ SEN