Essendon footy boss to depart

ESSENDON will be searching for a new executive GM of football come the end of the season after Josh Mahoney announced his intentions to step down.

Mahoney will depart the Bombers at the end of the 2023 season after spending three years at the club.

The accomplished administrator was earlier this year reported to have a dysfunctional relationship with long-time list manager Adrian Dodoro, which Caroline Wilson described as a “ticking time bomb”.

Mahoney’s name has also been linked to the AFL GM of football role, a position that will operate under whoever the league appoints as the executive general manager.

In a club statement, Mahoney suggested he needs a new challenge.

“This has been a difficult decision to come to but one that I am confident is the right for all involved,” he said.

“We are in year one of a new build, under a new coach and in the position as EGM-Football, you need to be 100 per cent committed to the role to see the journey through.

“The past month, I’ve been reflecting, and have come to the realisation that I need a new challenge and now is the right time to make that move.

“We’ve made a lot of changes to the football department throughout my time at the Club, including the establishment of our first-ever AFLW team and program.

“I am confident that with Brad and Natalie as senior coaches, and the experienced team’s we have assembled around them, the club’s future looks very promising.

“I am proud of the role that I have played in helping create a world class football environment at Essendon and there are good times ahead.

“In total, I’ve been involved at AFL club level for more than 25 years as a player, coach, and GM of Football for a decade at both Essendon and Melbourne. It has been a privilege and I look forward to what is next.”

Essendon CEO Craig Vozzo, who is in his first season in charge, praised Mahoney for his work.

“Josh has done an outstanding job, particularly in helping to navigate the club through the significant changes to our Football Program that were undertaken at the end of last season,” Vozzo said.

“He has also been instrumental in the establishment of our AFLW team and program, something we are all proud of and excited about moving forward.

“I’d like to thank Josh for all his efforts and for the club-first approach he has clearly shown in arriving at this position. He is well placed for the next challenge ahead and we wish him and his family all the very best moving forward.”

The Bombers put no timeframe on when the next footy department boss would be appointed by.

– SEB MOTTRAM/ SEN