Mark Anderson's resignation continues overhaul at Collingwood
Collingwood is set for further off-field overhaul as club CEO Mark Anderson announced his resignation on Thursday, following changes in club president and coach over the last 18 months.
Despite Collingwood's stunning surge to a preliminary final in 2022, Anderson has decided to resign after taking over the chief executive job in 2018.
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Anderson has overseen significant change at Collingwood, most notably commissioning the 'Do Better' report which uncovered instances of systemic racism within the club. The report ultimately led to the resignation of former club president Eddie McGuire.
The Magpies lost the grand final during Anderson's first year in charge, before slipping into a period of difficulty which culminated in the sacking of former coach Nathan Buckley midway through last season.
The sacking of Buckley came amid board upheaval following McGuire's unceremonious exit from the club, with Jeff Browne eventually appointed president last December. McRae was hired a few months earlier in September.
Thank you to CEO Mark Anderson who has today tendered his resignation after five years of service at our Club.
β Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) November 3, 2022
Mark Anderson's departure from Collingwood isn't connected to any CEO vacancies at other clubs as he takes time to consider next move. Essendon had sounded him out to be involved in previous CEO process but he didn't take part. Pies, Bombers, Roos all now in CEO hunt. @AFLcomau
β Callum Twomey (@CalTwomey) November 3, 2022
Huge gratitude to Mark Anderson for his excellent leadership and vision in the top job. Leaving the Club and itβs culture in a much better place than he found it. Will be a very hard act to follow. @CollingwoodFC #gopies #thanksmark π€π€ https://t.co/7ul7lobDsc
β Sal Maddo (@SalMaddo) November 3, 2022
In addition to the 2018 decider and 2022 preliminary final, Collingwood also made the 2019 preliminary final, while the Magpies' AFLW team is yet to miss the finals.
"Mark arrived at Collingwood as a highly credentialed CEO and since taking up the role ... he has shown great passion and commitment to progressing our club," Browne said in a statement.
"We thank Mark for his guidance and expertise which has resulted in strong football and netball programs, record membership numbers, the highest home and away crowds in the competition and a club that has great momentum.
"We recognise Mark's stewardship through the ongoing work of Do Better and we acknowledge his unwavering commitment to ensuring Collingwood continues to listen and learn from our First Nations people and their experiences."
Collingwood are coming off the back of a busy trade and free agency period, in which they signed Brisbane's Dan McStay and traded All Australian ruckman Brodie Grundy to Melbourne.
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Collingwood were determined to part ways with Grundy and his mammoth contract, signed in 2020, to relieve pressure on their salary cap, and offloaded the ruckman to the Demons for pick No.27.
The Pies pulled off a similar trade in 2020 when Adam Treloar was controversially forced out despite having five years left on his deal.
Grundy never formally requested a trade but saw the writing on the wall after 177 games at Collingwood and identified a spot alongside Max Gawn following premiership tall Luke Jackson's departure to Fremantle.
"When I signed my contract in 2020, my dream was to be a Pie for life," Grundy posted on Twitter.
"My desire to remain at Collingwood did not change this year.
"However, after recent conversations with the club, this dream could no longer be a reality."
Grundy, who said it was "time to dream a different dream" with Melbourne, is set to form an ominous partnership with Gawn.
The Magpies added fringe Adelaide tall Billy Frampton later on Tuesday, sending a future third-round pick to the Crows.
With AAP
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