The Essendon Football Club has been hit with another major off-field blow, with respected chief executive Craig Vozzo making the shock decision to leave the embattled club.
Vozzo's Sudden Departure for Family
It has been confirmed that Vozzo is stepping down from his role at the Bombers, with reports indicating the move is driven by a desire to return to South Australia to be closer to his family. Vozzo, who has worked in the AFL industry for more than a decade, only arrived at Essendon in 2022 after holding multiple executive roles at the West Coast Eagles.
His departure adds a fresh layer of instability to a club that has struggled to find solid footing in its leadership positions for years. Vozzo was originally appointed during a storm of controversy in late 2022, rushed in to replace Andrew Thorburn who infamously lasted less than 24 hours as CEO.
A History of Turmoil at Tullamarine
Thorburn's swift exit was forced due to public outcry over his links to the City on a Hill church, which holds controversial views on abortion and same-sex relationships. Vozzo's exit is the latest chapter in a prolonged period of chaos for the famous club.
The news comes just months after club president David Barham resigned and was replaced by former player Andrew Welsh. Furthermore, the 2025 season has been a year of relentless drama for the Bombers, both on and off the field:
- An extensive on-field injury crisis that decimated the playing list.
- A nightmare losing streak that crushed finals hopes.
- A significant player exodus during trade periods.
- A failed attempt by captain and best player Zach Merrett to leave the club.
A Fading AFL Powerhouse
Essendon, alongside Collingwood and Carlton, shares the record for the most premierships in AFL/VFL history with 16 flags. The club boasts one of the largest, though currently dormant, supporter bases in the competition.
However, the 21st century has been unkind to the Bombers. Their last premiership was won in 2000, and they have not tasted victory in a final since 2004. This prolonged period of underperformance has fuelled frustration among fans and increased pressure on the club's administration.
Vozzo's resignation creates another critical vacancy at the top of the organisation, forcing the board to embark on another search for a leader who can finally steer the club back to stability and success. The hunt for a new CEO begins as the Bombers look to halt their slide and revive their standing as a true powerhouse of Australian rules football.
