In a recent interview with the Herald Sun, former Melbourne Football Club president Glen Bartlett opened up about the shocking events that led to his resignation in April 2021.
Bartlett recounts a series of serious behavioural issues within the club and his attempts to address them, which eventually led to his legal action against several parties, including Melbourne president Kate Roffey and the AFL.
Bartlett revealed that he was taken aback when AFL commission chairman Richard Goyder informed him that AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan had been dealing with Melbourne’s CEO Gary Pert for 18 months on the same issues he had recently become aware of. Bartlett expressed disbelief at not being informed of these ongoing issues within the club.
According to Bartlett, he felt abandoned by the AFL and believes that his push for hair testing for all club leaders, including the president, CEO, executives, and coaches, was a significant factor in the events that led to his resignation. He suggests that the AFL endorsed the change in leadership at the club, which led to his departure.
When he raised issues relating to coach Simon Goodwin’s behaviour: “He (Gill) was fully briefed, as was Goyder, of what was going down in early 2021 at Melbourne.”
This occurred just prior to Bartlett’s appointment for a three-year extension as president.
Just weeks later, Bartlett says, he was “run out of town”.
The former president and his fiancée, Victoria, claim they faced a tremendous amount of stress during this tumultuous period, leading to serious health issues for both of them. Bartlett says the media’s relentless attacks on him and his fiancée, coupled with the AFL’s lack of support, led to an incredibly challenging time in their lives.
“Vicki made an attempt on her life and I luckily was there and was able to intervene,’’ Bartlett told the Herald-Sun.
Despite the difficulties they faced, Bartlett says he remain determined to hold those responsible for the ongoing crisis accountable, particularly as he believes the AFL failed to properly handle the situation.
Geoff Freeman, Vice Chairman of the Demons (left) and Glen Bartlett, Chairman of the Demons celebrate after the clubs first finals win in 12 years during the 2018 AFL First Elimination Final match between the Melbourne Demons and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 07, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Bartlett has launched legal action against Melbourne president Kate Roffey and three club directors, Channel 9, The Age, its reporters Caroline Wilson and Jake Niall.
Bartlett has also sent a legal letter to Gillon McLachlan, but has not launched action yet.
While the full story has yet to unfold, Glen Bartlett’s revealing interview with the Herald Sun provides a rare insight into the complicated world of AFL politics and the challenges faced by those in leadership positions.
