Melbourne Football Club Chief Innovation Officer/General Manager AFLW Marcus Wagner will depart the Demons after nearly 4 years in the red and blue.

Wagner, who joined the club in late 2021, after a 14-season stint at the Collingwood Football Club, has been a key member of both the AFL and AFLW programs during his time at the Demons.

During his tenure he oversaw Football Operations for the club’s AFL, AFLW, VFL and VFLW programs. Most notably, being a key leader within the AFLW program which lead to back-to-back Grand Final appearances in 2022, culminating in the club’s inaugural Premiership in Season 7 while also playing a leadership role in the Casey Demons VFL Premiership in 2022.

Melbourne Football Club Interim CEO David Chippindall thanked Wagner for his contribution to the club.

“Marcus has been a key member of our Executive for over 3 seasons now,” said Chippindall.

“He joined us in 2021, with a wealth of experience from his time at the Pies and has contributed significantly to both our men’s and women’s football programs during his tenure.

“On behalf of the club I would like to thank Marcus for his contribution and wish him and his family all the best for the future.”

The Demons Chief Communications Officer Clare Pettyfor will absorb the role of General Manager AFLW.

 Pettyfor, who previously held the role of General Manager Football Operations and AFLW during her stint at the Pies in 2023, said she was incredibly excited by the opportunity to lead the AFLW program.

“To have an opportunity to work alongside Mick, Kate and the broader AFLW program is something I am really looking forward to,” said Pettyfor.

“Our program is made up of many talented people and I can’t wait to jump into the role and help drive the program forward in Season 10 and beyond.”