- Comes with Demons fourth on the ladder
The high-flying Melbourne Demons have stunned the AFL by parting ways with chief executive Paul Guerra less than a year after his appointment despite the club’s strong on-field form.
Guerra, who was appointed in April 2025 but did not officially commence duties until September, lasted just seven months in the role before being told the club is moving him on.
Guerra was informed of the decision on Tuesday morning, a decision which reportedly blindsided the outgoing Demons boss.
Guerra is now understood to be seeking legal advice following the abrupt exit.
The club has not yet publicly outlined the reasons behind the move, with president Steve Smith expected to address the situation.
Guerra is seeking legal advice, according to News Corp.
The Melbourne Demons parted ways with chief executive Paul Guerra on Tuesday
Guerra, pictured at the opening of Barassi Way, lasted just seven months in the top job at the club
The decision came as a shock with the Dees riding high in the AFL top four after a 5-2 start to the season
The timing of the departure has drawn attention given Melbourne’s performances on the field under new coach Steven King.
The Demons have surged into the top four with a 5–2 record to begin the 2026 season, adopting a more aggressive style of play and recording wins over leading sides including the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns.
Guerra played a central role in shaping the club’s new direction, having been heavily involved in the appointment of King as senior coach following the departure of Simon Goodwin.
He also oversaw a significant list transition, with high-profile players Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver exiting the club during the off-season.
The chief executive arrived from outside the traditional football system, having previously served as CEO of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and was viewed as a non-traditional appointment given his limited AFL background.
During his tenure, Melbourne was also scrutinised over internal governance following an incident involving football boss Alan Richardson.
Richardson made inappropriate comments during a meeting with player partners, including the disclosure of sensitive personal information relating to former player Steven May.
In the aftermath, Smith indicated Guerra should have overseen the meeting, rather than Richardson.
‘Guerra should have run the meeting, not Richardson,’ Smith said last month.
The leadership change now leaves Melbourne without a permanent chief executive less than a year after filling the role, with experienced administrator Brian Cook expected to step in on an interim basis.
Cook has previously held CEO positions at the West Coast Eagles, Geelong and Carlton and is widely regarded as one of the most experienced executives in the AFL system.
Neither Guerra nor Smith responded to media enquiries immediately following the announcement.
