Melbourne set on new CEO after shock Paul Guerra sacking
Just hours after it was announced that Melbourne had sacked first-year CEO Paul Guerra, the club already appears to have its eyes set on a permanent replacement.
Former West Coast, Geelong and Carlton CEO Brian Cook is set to take over in the interim on a temporary basis, however, according to former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire, board member Dan Taylor is set to take over the role permanently.
Aside from his role at Melbourne, Taylor is also an executive director at Stan.
«This man will be the next CEO of the Melbourne Football Club. His name is Dan Taylor,» McGuire told Footy Classified.
MORE: Elijah Hollands: Carlton club doctor considering legal action, takes personal leave
«[He] came onto the board only earlier this year. He wasn’t part of the hiring of Paul Guerra, but he was part of the firing today.»
«This man will be the next CEO of the Melbourne Football Club.»
Just hours after Paul Guerra was ousted, Eddie McGuire reports the Demons will appoint board member Dan Taylor as the club’s new CEO. #9FootyClassified | More tonight at 9:30pm 🖥️ pic.twitter.com/wijr2IcZC9
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) April 28, 2026
In a brief interview given to Nine, Guerra admitted he was shocked by the decision, and confirmed he had sought legal advice regarding the matter.
«It’s been a challenging day. I’m puzzled by the decision made by the board today,» he said.
«I’m really proud of the team that we’ve put together in a really short period of time, and I’m really proud of the role that I’ve played in the success of the club.
«I have engaged lawyers and there’s not much more I can say at this point.»
View this post on InstagramA post shared by 9News Melbourne (@9newsmelbourne)
However, it appears Guerra is not the only one to be surprised by the club’s decision, with players still not yet able to obtain a concrete answer on the reason for his sacking, according to Seven’s Tom Morris.
Even @melbournefc players & staff are in the dark as to exactly why Paul Guerra was sacked.
When quizzed at a players meeting today, president Steven Smith was unable to provide a clear answer.
Guerra was completely blindsided, having lost the support of Smith and his directors… https://t.co/ytOkuhSVox
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) April 28, 2026
The club have been tight-lipped on the reason for the decision, but president Steven Smith did release a brief statement on Tuesday evening.
“On behalf of Melbourne Football Club, I thank Paul for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best for the future,» he 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 through this period.
“We are pleased that Brian has agreed to step into the role in an interim capacity until a permanent CEO can commence.»
After two seasons of missing the finals that resulted in the sacking of premiership coach Simon Goodwin, the Dees have found form again in 2026 under new coach Steven King, currently sitting fourth on the ladder with a 5-2 record.
However, some of the off-field issues that plagued the club in the wake of its 2021 premiership triumph have continued to rear its head.
Earlier this year its administrators came under scrutiny after it was revealed general manager Alan Richardson had shared private details pertaining to the retirement of Steven May, in a meeting with players’ partners.
Read more Vendetta Fury Slot Review
Comments