Dodoro to step back from key recruiting role at Bombers

Essendon recruiting boss Adrian Dodoro (l), here with Kevin Sheedy, will step back from his role. (Michael Dodge/AAP PHOTOS)

Long-time Essendon recruiting boss Adrian Dodoro will leave the role in another major change to the club's football department.

Late last month, the Bombers' head of football Josh Mahoney joined the AFL.

Essendon announced on Tuesday that Dodoro would "step back" from his current role after the November national draft.

Matt Rosa, who played 207 games for West Coast and Gold Coast, will then become their new talent and operations manager.

Dodoro is a life member at Essendon and has worked at the club in various roles for nearly three decades.

But he has been a polarising figure in the media and among Bombers fans, particularly given Essendon's failure to win a final since 2004.

Essendon were in finals contention with two rounds left this season before their campaign ended in freefall.

GWS belted them by 21 goals and Collingwood also trounced Essendon by 70 points.

Dodoro said in a club statement it was his decision to no longer lead Essendon's list management.

“I approached Craig (club chief executive Craig Vozzo) back in April to discuss the concept of transition and I feel that now is the right time to make this decision,” Dodoro said.

"I sat on the panel to assist in the selection of Matt 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.

“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 into a role which will provide me and my family with a better work-life balance."

Vozzo paid tribute to Dodoro and said Essendon could look forward to his "ongoing contribution" at the club.

Mahoney's departure and Dodoro's change of roles follow the disastrous off-season a year ago when coach Ben Rutten was sacked.

Andrew Thorburn also lasted just 24 hours as their new chief executive in a bungled recruiting process.

Vozzo eventually took over as CEO while the club unsuccessfully courted Alastair Clarkson before Brad Scott took over as coach. 

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