Long-time Bombers list guru set to step down

Long-time Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro is set to step down from his role following a 25-year stint at the club.

Dodoro has been in a full-time role at Essendon since 1998, but will step down as the club's head of recruitment after the upcoming trade period and national draft.

Former West Coast midfielder Matt Rosa will replace Dodoro as Essendon's new talent and operations manager.

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Rosa joins the Bombers after spending the last three years as WAFL side Peel Thunder's general manager of football.

Dodoro, an Essendon life member, said he'd approached club CEO Craig Vozzo in April to "discuss the concept of transition".

"I feel that now is the right time to make this decision," he said in a club statement on Tuesday night.

"I sat on the panel to assist in the selection of Matt (Rosa), 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 in to a role which will provide me and my family with a better work life balance."

Rosa played 207 games for the Eagles and Gold Coast Suns between 2005 and 2018, with his time at the Eagles coinciding with Vozzo's tenure at the club.

"After going through a thorough process, it is clear there is a strong commitment to do the hard work required to set up a period of sustained success. I'm looking forward to being part of that journey," he said in the Bombers' statement.

"This is a great opportunity for me and I'm excited to be able to build upon a talented young list and help this club strive for success. Essendon is a special club with a rich football history and my family and I are excited to be part of its future."

Dodoro's decision to step down continues the sweeping off-field change at Essendon over the last 12 months, which has seen Vozzo arrive as the CEO and Brad Scott as the senior coach.

Essendon started brightly in Scott's first season at the club before fading out to finish 11th following a disappointing final month.