Melbourne Demons part ways with chief executive Paul Guerra
Updated ,first published
Melbourne sacked Paul Guerra after just seven months as CEO and now faces the prospect of legal action from the ousted club boss, who was “stunned” and caught off guard by his sacking on Tuesday.
The lack of a statement from the Demons regarding Guerra’s departure has raised questions about what is going on behind closed doors at a club that has so far been one of the AFL’s success stories in the 2026 season.
“I’ve talked to lawyers and there’s not much I can say at this point,” Guerra said. Nine News.
“It’s been a challenging day, I’m surprised by the board’s decision today. I’m really proud of the team we’ve built in such a short time and I’m really proud of the part I’ve played in the success of the club.”
The club’s statement was short, polite, and fairly quiet on details. Guerra was not given a reason for the decision, according to a source with knowledge of his situation.
The Demons say they expect to appoint a permanent CEO “shortly”, with the club’s great star Garry Lyon telling Fox Footy: AFL360 It was understood on Tuesday night that the club would announce Guerra’s successor on Wednesday.
Melbourne confirmed Guerra’s departure on Tuesday evening, after multiple outlets, including this one, confirmed the news earlier in the day.
Veteran executive Brian Cook, a close ally of chairman Steven Smith and one of the AFL’s most experienced executives, has been announced as interim CEO. The fact that Cook has recently engaged in a mentoring capacity to support Guerra in this role makes the rapid rise even more striking.
“On behalf of Melbourne Football Club, I would like to thank Paul for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best for the future,” Smith said.
Brian is a highly respected operator and with over 35 years of experience in AFL clubs he will provide much needed leadership and guidance throughout this period.
“We are pleased that Brian has agreed to step into this role on an interim basis until a permanent CEO is appointed.”
Guerra was contacted for comment via this imprint.
He took up the post in September last year, following his appointment in April 2025 while he was chief executive of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He arrived in Melbourne as an outsider to the AFL club system but had a strong corporate CV and significant ties to Victoria’s sporting and business sectors.
There were no signs of tension at the board level or any indication that Guerra’s position was under threat. If anything, Melbourne’s start of the 2026 season under new coach Steven King has helped to anchor the wider narrative at the club.
Despite losing star midfielders Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver in the off-season, the Demons won five of their first seven matches to move into fourth place in the table; It was a start that exceeded expectations and strengthened belief in the club’s football programme.
Lyon told Fox he was shocked and surprised by the timing of Guerra’s departure.
“When your football club is 5-2 against all odds and expectations, everything seems to be going well on the field. I guess you never know what’s going on.” [on] off the field.
“I was told [there was] Loss of trust in Paul. There was a real disconnect with the board.
“Ultimately, this was a unanimous decision from the board. They stand by the fact that they have not been afraid to make tough decisions lately – and that includes sacking Simon Goodwin, trading Christian Petracca and appointing a new replacement.” [coach] Steven King out of nowhere.”
Lyon said he believed Cook would take on the interim role for three to four months.
“As I sit here tonight, I realize [the announcement of the club’s new CEO] It will be as early as tomorrow.”
Despite the positive signs on the field, the picture was more complicated off the field for the Demons.
It is well known in the industry that Smith and Guerra are not close friends. This situation in itself is not unusual, given the changing nature of the roles of presidents and chief executives.
Earlier this month, Melbourne were forced to apologize after details of a pre-season meeting involving senior officials and players’ partners were made public. The online forum, attended by Guerra, King and football boss Alan Richardson, sparked controversy over allegations that confidential and sensitive information was shared, including details of the relationship between premiership defender Steven May and his partner Sachi Dade.
The fallout was disturbing. May, one of the key figures in the club’s 2021 flag, retired on the eve of the season following personal leave.
It remains unclear whether that incident played any role in Tuesday’s decision, and Melbourne is not saying.
Beyond that, Guerra took over one of the club’s most complex and risky projects: providing a permanent home base.
The Demons’ long-running effort to establish a new center at Caulfield Racecourse, in partnership with the Melbourne Racing Club and alongside the proposed Mount Scopus College campus, has been complicated by a reported $70 million funding shortfall.
Guerra, who is also a Racing Victoria director, was tasked with meeting this financial challenge and delivering the centrally located elite training and management facility his predecessor Gary Pert had long sought.
“We want Melbourne to have a real home that everyone can enjoy, but we can get elite performance out of it,” Guerra said at the time of his appointment.
This vision currently remains in limbo.
Alternative options, including a potential move to AFL-owned Waverley Park, remain on the agenda – particularly with Richmond also exploring temporary relocation solutions during the redevelopment of Punt Road Oval.
But for now, Melbourne’s focus is shifting to stabilizing its governance structure.
Cook’s appointment offers experience and authority but also underlines the extent of the disruption. Clubs do not easily approach operators in such non-transparent situations.
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