In the AFL era, Melbourne have matched only St Kilda in the number of chief executives they have churned through as the club attempted, but ultimately failed, to find the stable helm most other successful clubs enjoyed from 1990 onwards.

Another selection process to find a new CEO – Melbourne’s 10th since 1990 – is expected to officially start in the new year once the board positions are decided at December’s AGM. Board candidate Stephen Smith is expected to be an important voice in the process if he is elected.

However, that doesn’t mean potential candidates aren’t on the mind of the president Brad Green, with the process towards selecting and developing a list of potential targets under way.

Brad Green after his last game for Melbourne in 2012. He has the big job of choosing the club’s next CEO.Credit: Joe Armao

According to multiple competition sources, the Demons need a chief executive with the confidence and knowledge to ensure they know their way around a football department.

This doesn’t mean they need to have played football or have led a football department, but they need to know the right questions to ask and also be able to build authentic, trusting relationships with key leaders in the playing and coaching group.

Brisbane Lions CEO Greg Swann played a significant role in restoring the Lions and would do the same at the Demons, but the 62-year-old has no plans to be in the Melbourne frame, according to two competition sources with........

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