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The 56-year-old,despite early successes as president as the Demons improved their financial position markedly,had become alienated from key people within the club,including senior coach Simon Goodwin,whom Barlett had placed under pressure over the past 12 months.

Bartlett was due to face the members early next year and expectation from Melbourne insiders was that he would have faced a challenge,but the board’s move against him has expedited his exit after nearly eight years at the helm.

Roffey,one of two vice-presidents,has the backing of the board to assume the presidency,with sources suggesting her style will be inclusive,but direct in dealings with club people and stakeholders.

She is the head of the club’s facilities working group - an important position given the Demons’ search for a new base close to the MCG precinct - having been the senior manager responsible for the Melbourne Park tennis centre redevelopment and government relations at Tennis Australia.

Bartlett,who played for the West Coast Eagles and moved to Melbourne and became managing partner of a major law firm,was brought in as president with the backing of the AFL,when the Demons were in trouble in 2013. He subsequently presided over key decisions such as the appointment of Paul Roos as senior coach and the club’s selling of gaming assets that have given the Demons a strong balance sheet for the first time in decades.

Bartlett,who played four matches with West Coast in 1987,saw the Demons reach a preliminary final in 2018 and extended Goodwin until the end of 2022only for the club’s performance to drop away in 2019 and 2020.

He appointed former Collingwood CEO Gary Pert as CEO,with the club managing to enjoy financial stability despite their lack of on-field success in recent seasons.

Bartlett lost some friends inside the club after he blew up publicly mid-season following a loss to Port Adelaide,blind-siding the club’s football department although Goodwin accepted the president’s right to say what he felt was necessary.

He then oversaw the addition of former player Brad Green to the club board in February as three other board-endorsed candidates,David Rennick,Steve Morris and Mohan Jesudason,saw off an attempt by club backer Peter Lawrence to win a spot on the board.

The Demons enter the match against Geelong unbeaten after an impressive start to the season.

clarification

The Age acknowledges that Glen Bartlett had no input towards,and does not agree with the accuracy of many assertions made concerning him seen in this article.

Mr Bartlett is adamant he acted appropriately at all times as President of the Melbourne Football Club between 2013 and 2021 and that it was solely his decision to resign as President when he did.

Mr Bartlett reaffirms that he has acted in the best interests of the Melbourne Football Club,its players,coaches and members.

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