Melbourne will part ways with veteran assistant coach Brendan McCartney as they look to rebuild from a disastrous AFL season.

The Demons on Monday night said McCartney would depart at season’s end, having spent five years at the club across several roles.

It comes just months after McCartney was shifted from his role as backline coach to a mentoring post across Melbourne’s AFL and VFL teams.

Further off-field changes are likely after a terrible campaign in which the Dees have gone from preliminary-finalists to a likely bottom-four finish.

The club said McCartney, who had previously served as senior coach at the Western Bulldogs for three seasons, was departing on good terms.

“When Macca joined us five years ago, there were two key objectives,” football boss Josh Mahoney said.

“Firstly, to set up a development program that would help develop our young talent, and secondly to help mentor and guide Simon Goodwin in his role as senior coach.

“Macca has delivered on both those counts over the five-year period and we’ve been very lucky to have him as part of our football department in that time.”

McCartney’s departure could prompt the Demons to search for another experienced figure to add to the coaches’ box.

The 58-year-old had acted as a mentor to third-year coach Goodwin, who earlier this year signed a contract extension through until the end of 2022.

“The impact that Macca has had on the entire football department, including the playing group, has been profound,” Goodwin said.

“He is one of my best mates and it has been a privilege to work so closely with him.”

With Carlton and St Kilda hunting for full-time senior coaches, there is also likely to be plenty of movement within the assistant coaching ranks.

The AFL website reported on Monday night that highly-regarded Richmond assistant Blake Caracella will also move on at the end of the season.