Bombers’ ‘secret succession plan’ as long-time list boss to step back

Veteran AFL list manager Adrian Dodoro’s long reign at Essendon will come to an end after the upcoming draft and trade period, with a former Eagle named as his replacement.

Dodoro will step away from the Bombers after more than 30 years’ service, saying he had approached chief executive Craig Vozzo at the start of the season about moving on from his role.

Former West Coast and Gold Coast player Matt Rosa has been named as Dodoro’s replacement, with the 36-year-old to commence in a renamed talent and operations manager role before Christmas.

Rosa, a Victorian who was drafted to West Coast with Pick 29 in the 2004 draft and played 168 games for the Eagles before a 39-game stint at the Suns, is finishing a three-year stint as football operations manager at Fremantle-aligned WAFL club Peel Thunder.

A polarising figure for football fans, Dodoro began full-time work at Essendon in 1998 and has built a reputation as a fierce trade negotiator, famously playing hard ball with Sydney on a 2019 trade request for Joe Daniher, which kept the key forward at the Bombers for the final year of his contract.

Vozzo said Dodoro had made a “selfless decision” to enter a handover of the position with Rosa.

“Adrian is a highly respected life member of the Essendon Football Club and has made an enormous contribution to the club and the wider AFL industry during his time in football, including assisting to navigate the club through unprecedented and challenging periods,” Vozzo said.

“Throughout his time at the Bombers, Adrian’s commitment and passion to take the club forward in its list management and recruiting, has been unquestionable.

“Some of the champions of Essendon have been identified and selected by Adrian, and we will always be grateful for the important and enduring role he has played.”

Dodoro said he remained focused on one final off-season period with the Bombers before he stepped away.

“I sat on the panel to assist in the selection of Matt (Rosa), and I believe he will be an outstanding acquisition to the club for years to come. I look forward to working with Matt moving forward,’ he said.

“These roles are very taxing on individuals and their families and it just feels like that. After nearly three decades and with stability in key roles at the club, now is the right time for me to take a step back in to a role which will provide me and my family with a better work life balance.

“More immediately, we have an important few months coming up and I’m looking forward to playing my part to deliver a strong trade and draft period for the club to ensure that the playing list is in a strong position for the future.”

Sydney co-captain Callum Mills is unsure when he’ll be back playing or if he’ll lose the captaincy, declaring he’s “gutted” as he apologised to the club and its supporters for injuring his shoulder during Mad Monday celebrations.

Mills is unsure of the exact time frame for his recovery but conceded his start to the 2024 season was “at risk” as he told Swans fans he was doing all he could to be fit again as quickly as possible.

Fronting the cameras on Wednesday with his left arm in a sling, the 26-year-old did not divulge details of the incident but confirmed he had damaged his rotator cuff in the incident, which required surgery last week.