Disputes at AFL’s Essendon sees resignation of club Chief Executive Xavier Campbell

Moves widely reported as a “power struggle” at AFL club Essendon has seen Xavier Campbell resign from his role as Chief Executive.

Campbell’s resignation, which is understood to have been tendered on Sunday, is understood to follow a difference of opinion with new club President David Barham.

Bombers great and board member Simon Madden also confirmed today that he had resigned from the Essendon board on Monday morning, having chosen not to stand for another term.

Media reports advised of club sources saying that Madden felt his position was untenable.

Campbell, who had been in the role for nine years, had earlier on Sunday sat through an Essendon board meeting which sacked Ben Rutten as coach with AFL.com.au reporting that he had been a supporter of Rutten.

The departure of Campbell follows that of former President Paul Brasher, who was replaced by Barham in a board meeting two Sundays ago.

While the Bombers have repeatedly failed on-field in recent seasons, away from the field they have been a financial powerhouse under Campbell, with record levels of sponsorship and membership.

Campbell, who took over as Chief Executive in the middle of the club’s drugs scandal at the age of 34, had helped to navigate the Bombers through arguably the most difficult period in their history.

Campbell said he still believes the club is “well set up for success in the short to medium term”.

He said the Bombers’ on-field performances would benefit from the club’s salary cap space in the off-season and the “fresh voice” of a new coach.

Image: Xavier Campbell has resigned as Chief Executive at AFL club Essendon.