The sweeping off-field changes continue at North Melbourne, with the AFL club’s veteran chief executive Carl Dilena about to leave.
Dilena’s departure at the end of next month means three of the Kangaroos’ four key “pillars” have changed in the last few months.
Rhyce Shaw replaced Brad Scott as senior coach and Brady Rawlings is also succeeding Cameron Joyce as their football boss.
Chairman Ben Buckley is the one major off-field leader from the start of this season who remains.
He paid tribute to Dilena, who joined the board in 2008 and became CEO in 2013.
The announcement came only hours after the Kangaroos announced a major coup, re-signing free agent Todd Goldstein on a three-year deal.
“Under Carl’s leadership, we achieved a tremendous amount,” Buckley said.
“On the field there were the preliminary finals in 2014-15, but off the field in particular, Carl made a lasting and profound impact.
“He and his team effectively eliminated our debt, ensured we could pay 100 per cent of the total player payments and increased football department spending, while strategically enhancing and growing all areas of the organisation.
“Ten of the past 11 years, we have posted a profit.”
Dilena said in a letter to club members that they had decided it was time for change.
“The board’s primary focus and goal with me stepping into the CEO role … was to embark on a financial turnaround of the club,” Dilena said.
“While I will naturally depart the club with a tinge of sadness, I also leave feeling comfortable in the knowledge that all of the great people I have worked with have given their all and positioned the club for a bright future.”.
There are also wholesale changes in North’s football department, with list manager Michael McMahon and assistant coach Leigh Tudor leaving.
Jade Rawlings and Heath Scotland will join the Kangaroos coaching staff.