Essendon Executive General Manager of Football Josh Mahoney has decided to step down from his role at the end of the season.

Mahoney, who joined Essendon at the end of 2020, said the timing was right for this decision.   

“This has been a difficult decision to come to but one that I am confident is the right for all involved.

“We are in year one of a new build, under a new coach and in the position as EGM- Football, you need to be 100% committed to the role to see the journey through.

“The past month, I’ve been reflecting, and have come to the realisation that I need a new challenge and now is the right time to make that move.

“We’ve made a lot of changes to the football department throughout my time at the Club, including the establishment of our first-ever AFLW team and program. I am confident that with Brad and Natalie as senior coaches, and the experienced team’s we have assembled around them, the Club’s future looks very promising. I am proud of the role that I have played in helping create a world class football environment at Essendon and there are good times ahead.

“In total, I’ve been involved at AFL club level for more than 25 years as a player, coach, and GM of Football for a decade at both Essendon and Melbourne. It has been a privilege and I look forward to what is next.”

Mahoney will finish up at Essendon at the conclusion of the AFL season.

Essendon CEO Craig Vozzo thanked Mahoney for his contribution to Essendon.

“Josh has done an outstanding job, particularly in helping to navigate the Club through the significant changes to our Football Program that were undertaken at the end of last season. He has also been instrumental in the establishment of our AFLW team and program, something we are all proud of and excited about moving forward.

“I’d like to thank Josh for all his efforts and for the Club-first approach he has clearly shown in arriving at this position. He is well placed for the next challenge ahead and we wish him and his family all the very best moving forward.”

The Club will now undertake a process to identify a replacement for this role.