Club Mgmt. Board of Directors as led by President Dave Barham

[Lore]

Spoiler: Timeline of events

• 15/8: President, Paul Brasher resigns, replaced by Dave Barham who foreshadows external review
  • Votes for Brasher: Peter Allen, Simon Madden, Sean Wellman
    Sean Wellman

    Age

    50

    Ht

    193cm

    Wt

    90kg

    Pos.

    Def

    Career

    Season

    Last 5

    D

    14.1

    4star

    K

    9.7

    4star

    HB

    4.5

    3star

    M

    4.5

    4star

    T

    1.0

    3star

    No current season stats available

    D

    8.0

    2star

    K

    4.4

    2star

    HB

    3.6

    3star

    M

    2.6

    3star

    T

    0.8

    3star

  • Votes for Barham: Andrew Muir, Dorothy Hisgrove, Melissa Green, Kate O’Sullivan, Kevin Sheedy
• 21/8: Senior Coach, Ben Rutten
  Ben Rutten

  Age

  41

  Ht

  190cm

  Wt

  98kg

  Pos.

  Def

  Career

  Season

  Last 5

  D

  13.4

  3star

  K

  6.3

  2star

  HB

  7.0

  4star

  M

  5.3

  5star

  T

  1.3

  3star

  No current season stats available

  D

  10.6

  3star

  K

  6.2

  3star

  HB

  4.4

  4star

  M

  3.6

  4star

  T

  1.0

  3star

  sacked
• 24/8: CEO, Xavier Campbell resigns
• 24/8: Directors to resign
  • Paul Brasher, immediately
  • Simon Madden, immediately
  • Sean Wellman, after new football director is appointed
  • Peter Allen, after AGM & finance portfolio handover in December
• 26/8: Details of coaching selection committee appointment
  • Sub-committee of 6: Josh Mahoney
    Josh Mahoney

    Age

    47

    Ht

    180cm

    Wt

    83kg

    Pos.

    Fwd

    Career

    Season

    Last 5

    D

    11.3

    3star

    K

    6.8

    3star

    HB

    4.5

    3star

    M

    3.5

    4star

    T

    1.6

    4star

    G

    0.9

    4star

    No current season stats available

    D

    9.2

    3star

    K

    5.4

    2star

    HB

    3.8

    3star

    M

    2.2

    3star

    T

    1.6

    4star

    G

    0.4

    3star

    (Chair, GM-Footy), Robert Walls, Jordan Lewis
    Jordan Lewis

    Age

    38

    Ht

    186cm

    Wt

    86kg

    Pos.

    D/M

    Career

    Season

    Last 5

    D

    23.5

    5star

    K

    12.1

    4star

    HB

    11.5

    5star

    M

    5.5

    5star

    T

    2.7

    4star

    MG

    310.5

    4star

    No current season stats available

    D

    15.0

    4star

    K

    6.8

    3star

    HB

    8.2

    5star

    M

    4.8

    5star

    T

    2.8

    5star

    , Simone McKinnis OAM, Andrew Thorburn and Dorothy Hisgrove (board member).
• 26/8: Details of external review process
  • Ernst & Young to coordinate with support from Andrew Thorburn, working closely with Nick Ryan (Acting CEO) & Dorothy Hisgrove (board member)
  • Focusing on four areas: (1) Board effectiveness & composition, (2) a review of leadership, operations and culture including the footy department, (3) the senior coach appointment and (4) the new CEO appointment.
• 26/9: Andrew Welsh appointed to the board of directors, replacing Simon Madden
• 29/9: Brad Scott appointed as Senior Coach
• 30/9: Kevin Sheedy claims decision to appoint Brad Scott was 6-1 against him
• 3/10: Andrew Thorburn appointed as CEO - alternative link
• 3/10: “External review to be handed to the board next week”: Andrew Thorburn, Crichton Medal Address
• 4/10: Andrew Thorburn resigns as CEO
• 11/10: External review preliminary findings
• 24/10: External review preliminary findings II
• 2/11: Dan McPherson appointed as General Manager of Performance & Cam Roberts as Head of Development
• 11/11: Dean Rioli appointed to the board of directors, replacing Paul Brasher
• 14/11: Tim Roberts & David Wills appointed to the board of directors, replacing Sean Wellman and Paul Allen respectively
• 28/11: Dorothy Hisgrove announced as first female vice-president (at the Essendon Women's Best and Fairest night)
• 1/12: Craig Vozzo appointed as CEO
• 13/12: Board director election results: Andrew Welsh and Andrew Muir elected
• 15/5: The club's First Nations Advisory Council established, to be led by Dean Rioli (chair, Indigenous board member), and including: Leanne Brooke (EFC EGM – Community & The Long Walk. Essendon FC), Dorothy Hisgrove (EFC VP and National Manager Partner KPMG), Kane Ellis (CEO of Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service), John Evans (Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Engagement at Swinburne) and Che Cockatoo-Collins (EM, Indigenous Affairs NBN, EFC Past Player)
• 16/5: Board of Directors declare support for the First Nations Voice to Parliament, after consultation with the new First Nations Advisory Council
• 28/8: EGM - Football, Josh Mahoney has accepted a role as GM Football Operations at the AFL
• 10/10: GM - Performance Daniel McPherson, and Head of AFLW/AFL Operations Manager Aysha Ward have been elevated to the club executive as joint leaders of the club's football department, as GM-AFL and GM-AFLW respectively

 

[I Remember Bluey]

Amazing that such a vocal nuffy writing crap about us on a weekly basis and talking s**t on tv twice a week didn't even watch it. You'd think if he had some sort of work obligation on the other two games he'd at least have watched the replay while writing up his column for the Herald Sun...

I don't think I've seen him say really anything about the Browne/McClure/Caro stuff last week. Usually would be the first one to lay into Caro. Wonder if the dog has been put on a leash

Just as an aside, I don't think Zach is on 360 players night this year, they showed a list of who was but he wasn't on it.
Seems a bit strange unless he wants to concentrate on the captaincy.

 

[Lore]

Just as an aside, I don't think Zach is on 360 players night this year, they showed a list of who was but he wasn't on it.
Seems a bit strange unless he wants to concentrate on the captaincy.

Noticed the same, not sure. Would be nice to have regular appearances from someone at Essendon (preferably one who can provide some insight).

 

[yodellinhank]

Adrian might have selected them, but we have been playing them out of position so much for Adrian being in the room, if he ever was.

Bring him in

 

[Lore]

I guess the board met recently (good timing ahead of Dreamtime ) because yesterday we got a Letter from the President about a newly-established 'First Nations Advisory Council' to be led by Dean Rioli with the support of a bunch of other people you may or may not have heard of:

[abridged quote]

Today, I am pleased to announce Dean Rioli, Indigenous Board member, will chair the new Essendon ‘First Nations Advisory Council’, as part of a renewed focus on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at Essendon.

Dean Rioli will be joined by Leanne Brooke (General Executive Manager – Community & The Long Walk. Essendon FC), Dorothy Hisgrove (Vice President Essendon FC and National Manager Partner KPMG), Kane Ellis (CEO of Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service), John Evans (Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Engagement at Swinburne University of Technology) and Che Cockatoo-Collins (Executive Manager, Indigenous Affairs NBN and Past Player EFC).

The purpose of the Council is to:

1. Provide advice to the Club’s Board and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on Indigenous policy and strategy;
   
   
2. Monitor and support the facilitation and development of strategic partnerships with Indigenous communities;
   
   
3. Monitor and support the implementation of the Club’s Indigenous policies and initiatives, including the Club’s reconciliation action plans from time to time; and
   
   
4. Support the Club’s Board and Management in ensuring that the Club is a culturally safe environment for Indigenous staff, players, volunteers and other stakeholders.

Letter from the President

An important announcement in the week of the Dreamtime at the ‘G.

www.essendonfc.com.au

And then just now we've had the board release a statement that they've consulted the advisory council that was established yesterday, the club will formally support a First Nations Voice to Parliament, and with the support of the council, provide opportunities for players and staff to understand the nature of what they are being asked to vote on in the referendum later this year;

The Board of the Essendon Football Club supports a First Nations Voice to Parliament.

Having consulted with the Club’s respected First Nations Advisory Council members, the Board has listened and will act on their recommendation - to support a First Nations Voice to Parliament.

With the support of the Advisory Council, the Club has provided opportunities for players and staff to learn about and deeply understand the conversation ahead of each Australian being asked to participate in a Referendum to enshrine a First Nations Voice in the Australian Constitution.

At Essendon, we recognise that sport and football can connect people to have positive effect in Australian society. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have enriched the history of Essendon since Norm McDonald arrived at the club from Belmont in the 1940s.

We believe that altering the constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice will enrich and benefit Australians.

The Club supports the rights of its members, players, staff and all Australians to make an informed individual decision as to how they exercise their vote at the time of the Referendum. We accept there are a wide range of views within our community and want to make clear that as a Club, we are in no way telling our members how to vote. What we are doing, is encouraging our members to use the appropriate resources available to educate themselves on the debate to make an informed decision.

As a Board, we believe supporting a First Nations Voice to Parliament has the capacity to create significant positive change and greater understanding between all Australians.

A Statement from the Essendon Board – First Nations Voice to Parliament

The Board of the Essendon Football Club supports a First Nations Voice to Parliament.

www.essendonfc.com.au

 

[Zach Package]

Are we the first club to come out and formally announce our position on The Voice either way?

 

[Lore]

Are we the first club to come out and formally announce our position on The Voice either way?

I think I was reading last night or this morning an article that said two other clubs had already declared their support but some clubs were still consulting and didn't like the AFL putting pressure on them or something. One that has declared in favour was West Coast and idk the other one.

 

[Lore]

Also just scrolled back to when Rioli was appointed to the board at the end of last year, the First Nations Advisory Council thing was mooted back then already. So delivering on an earlier promise it seems.

Although it had a slightly different name back then:

The Essendon Football Club has appointed Dean Rioli to the Essendon Board. Rioli, a Tiwi man, played 100 games for the Bombers, is the Club’s first Indigenous board member.

Rioli will also chair Essendon’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council as part of a renewed focus to enhance Essendon’s connection with Indigenous Australians across the country. The Advisory Council will include representatives from all states and territories.

Essendon President David Barham welcomed Rioli’s appointment to the Board.

“Dean Rioli brings great football and professional experience to the Essendon Board, and we’re delighted to have him as the first-ever Indigenous Board member,” Barham said.

“One of the key recommendations of the external review, was the appointment of an Indigenous director. We have acted immediately on that, and we are absolutely delighted to have someone of Dean’s calibre join our board.

“Dean will help us reset our club so that we again become a destination for all young Indigenous talent around the county. We want more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and players to be connected to the Essendon Football Club and the role of the Advisory Council will be to drive this across Australia.”

“He is a great role model, as well as being one of our past great players. This is a great step forward for our club,” Barham said.

Looks like we've changed from "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander" to "First Nations". Although Dean is still our Indigenous board member, not titled 'First Nations' on that one.

 

[mike14]

Are we the first club to come out and formally announce our position on The Voice either way?

Richmond yesterday (or the day before), WCE earlier in the month

 

[ghostdog]

I guess the board met recently (good timing ahead of Dreamtime ) because yesterday we got a Letter from the President about a newly-established 'First Nations Advisory Council' to be led by Dean Rioli with the support of a bunch of other people you may or may not have heard of:

[abridged quote]

Letter from the President

An important announcement in the week of the Dreamtime at the ‘G.

www.essendonfc.com.au

And then just now we've had the board release a statement that they've consulted the advisory council that was established yesterday, the club will formally support a First Nations Voice to Parliament, and with the support of the council, provide opportunities for players and staff to understand the nature of what they are being asked to vote on in the referendum later this year;

A Statement from the Essendon Board – First Nations Voice to Parliament

The Board of the Essendon Football Club supports a First Nations Voice to Parliament.

www.essendonfc.com.au

Good to see the club going with the counsel of its advisory council.

 

[yodellinhank]

I'm not sure about the club endorsing political policies. Love the fact they seem to be setting up a voice to the board though. Especially with Rioli and the tiwi connection that brings, will help set up an environment where we get the most out of talent we bring in.

 

[ghostdog]

mike14. Coz I'm punny?

 

[jmoo wan]

yeah, I’m not sure we should be getting this politically by having a position on Finding the Voice - I mean John Farnham was great but Glen Shorrock had a pretty good thing going with the Little River Band and maybe John is being a little revisionist about his time with the band?

i’m just saying hang on, we probably shouldnt be this quick to judge?

 

[South of the Yarra]

Also just scrolled back to when Rioli was appointed to the board at the end of last year, the First Nations Advisory Council thing was mooted back then already. So delivering on an earlier promise it seems.

Although it had a slightly different name back then:



Looks like we've changed from "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander" to "First Nations". Although Dean is still our Indigenous board member, not titled 'First Nations' on that one.

Aboriginal is perfect. First Nations is politically driven.

 

[Lore]

Aboriginal is perfect. First Nations is politically driven.

Do you have alerts set up for that key word or something?

 

[South of the Yarra]

Do you have alerts set up for that key word or something?

No just a strong interest.

 

[Squeaky]

Stick to the sport. It is supposed to be the strength of a football club.

 

[Lore]

No just a strong interest.

Mm well. We already had this discussion on the draft board iirc. And now you’re on the Essendon board.

I am suggesting that the people on the advisory council probably advised on what the name of their council should be. Not a paternalistic decision imposed by outsiders (which is likely what the original name of the council was), but rather a name chosen by themselves and for themselves.

 

[South of the Yarra]

Mm well. We already had this discussion on the draft board iirc. And now you’re on the Essendon board.

I am suggesting that the people on the advisory council probably advised on what the name of their council should be. Not a paternalistic decision imposed by outsiders (which is likely what the original name of the council was), but rather a name chosen by themselves and for themselves.

I am a man of many Big Footy Boards. Unfortunately, Boards /councils of all kinds need to tick boxes. I would have called it the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island advisory council. Just a passion of mine that I hate seeing the word Aboriginal being eroded from society.

 

[Vander18]

I'm not sure about the club endorsing political policies. Love the fact they seem to be setting up a voice to the board though. Especially with Rioli and the tiwi connection that brings, will help set up an environment where we get the most out of talent we bring in.

I agree.

Love the council we have formed, no idea why our club needs to express support (or otherwise) for a political policy.

 

[ant555]

I am a man of many Big Footy Boards. Unfortunately, Boards /councils of all kinds need to tick boxes. I would have called it the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island advisory council. Just a passion of mine that I hate seeing the word Aboriginal being eroded from society.

We had ASTIC (Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders Commission ) in the past and it was a bit of a debacle. I doubt ASTIAC was going to get a look in.

 

[South of the Yarra]

We had ASTIC (Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders Commission ) in the past and it was a bit of a debacle. I doubt ASTIAC was going to get a look in.

Just discussing the wording. Most Aboriginal people would prefer the word Aboriginal in there.

 

[South of the Yarra]

I am slightly conflicted about the voice. I would like to see it become something that works but there is a lot of division amongst first nations people on it as well. Now my circumstances are that my late Grandma was 1/4 Indigenous Australian so I have some history in the family . I do not identify as First Nation at all. My dad came here from Scotland as a baby and I am a white Australian that has some Indigenous heritage. I have some cousins and second cousins that are First Nations people due to one of my mums brothers marrying and First Nations women and also my mums cousins marrying First Nations people. I have spoken to them about it and the response is mixed as well. They like the idea of being recognized in the constitution but actually wonder exactly what it will do and how effective it will be. Some seem to think it is more driven by inner city folk who have no real conception of the struggles in the communities away from the big smoke. Maybe there is still some scientism around ATSIC and the issues it had.
At the end of the day I will be voting for whatever my Indigenous family feels is the way to go. Personally I think the whole process has been tarnished by the politics of supporting one view or another and not the government setting up a referendum where the factors of both sides are viewed and all sides of politics allowing their members to vote how they feel is best.

Some great points but I don't think that there is a lot of division between Aboriginal people. I think some key outspoken people have given this impression but if you get to the heart and speak to those in communities you will find a strong unified YES for the voice.

 

[ant555]

Some great points but I don't think that there is a lot of division between Aboriginal people. I think some key outspoken people have given this impression but if you get to the heart and speak to those in communities you will find a strong unified YES for the voice.

So you have spoken to some of the of the communities outside of Melbourne ? I just finished saying there are questions within my family group.

 

[South of the Yarra]

So you have spoken to some of the of the communities outside of Melbourne ? I just finished saying there are questions within my family group.

Have spoken and been in many communities within Victoria and Interstate across several states. Speak with many elders regularly.

 

[ant555]

Have spoken and been in many communities within Victoria and Interstate across several states. Speak with many elders regularly.

Guess you have not spoken to my relatives.