JOSH Mahoney will join Essendon after 13 seasons at the Melbourne Football Club.

The move, which will see Mahoney take on the role of the Bombers’ new General Manager of Football, brings an end to his 13-season tenure at the Demons.

Melbourne CEO Gary Pert thanked Mahoney for his incredible service to the club.

“Josh is a highly respected administrator within the AFL industry and Melbourne Football Club,” he told Melbourne Media.

“His contribution and care has always been first class and we thank him and his family for the dedication and commitment they have shown.

“He was one of the key drivers of our AFLW program at its inception, oversaw our AFL list management strategy and has played a pivotal role managing the Casey Fields facility redevelopment.

“We wish Josh all the best in his new role and he will always be welcome back at the Club.”

After informing the Demons’ CEO of his intentions, both parties agreed that Mahoney would immediately step away from all elements of his role.

This means he will have no further involvement with the Club’s list management decisions and will not attend Wednesday night’s National AFL Draft. He has been released from his contract, to start with Essendon on Monday 14th December.

Mahoney joined the Demons in late 2007, initially appointed as the Forward Line Coach under Dean Bailey.

He became Football Manager following the 2011 season, before being promoted to General Manager of Football Operations two years later.

He held this position from September 2013 until the end of the 2020 season, and most recently moved into the role of General Manager of Football Facilities and Administration.

Mahoney expressed his gratitude for the Club, and the experience he has gained along the journey.

“I would like to thank the Club for the opportunities that they gave me over 13 years – my first coaching role, my first administration role and for the last seven years, the opportunity to lead the football department,” he told Melbourne Media.

“Experiencing local rituals in Central Australia, planning the introduction and growth of our AFLW team, the excitement of returning to Finals in 2018 and all the highs and lows in between, it has been a great ride.

“To all the players, staff, board members and Melbourne Football Club members, thank you. The football department now has the players, staff and programs to provide the opportunity to achieve what all Dees supporters have wanted; Melbourne’s next era of success.”