SEN news breaker Sam McClure believes that Western Bulldogs CEO Gary Kent will step down from the role before the year is over, as the reigning premiers undertake an intense internal off-season review.
Kent became the third Dogs chief executive in 18 months when he took over from David Stevenson last year, having served on the club’s board since 2011.
However after the club’s disappointing premiership defence in 2017, becoming the first reigning premiers to miss the finals the following year since Hawthorn in 2009, McClure says Kent is expected to be moved on from the role, with a long-term replacement being sought by the Dogs.
“My understanding is that he is unlikely to continue in his role beyond the year as the Bulldogs look for a long-term replacement,” he said on SEN Breakfast.
“They’re going through an intense review, there is no doubt about that, trying to figure out exactly what went wrong after winning the premiership and failing to make the finals.
“It was never the club’s intention to have Kent in the long-term, he was never give a specific contract. I’m not saying there’s anything untoward about him leaving but clearly the club is looking for some leadership on a permanent basis.”
Despite Garry Lyon questioning whether the club have any greater issues on the back of hearing McClure’s report, Tim Watson believes that the review is typical of a football club seeking answers for a disappointing year.
“They’re acting like a football club,” said Watson.
“If you’re a Bulldogs fan, I’d be happy with the way that my club is reacting. What they’re saying is that we are extremely disappointed and no stone will be left unturned in our desire to find the answers for the problems that we faced this year.
“I reckon they should be applauded for what they are doing this year.”
McClure also says that out-of-contract Bulldogs forward Stewart Crameri will sign a new contract with the club should Jake Stringer be traded.
If Channel Seven’s Mark Stevens’ report that Geelong is the primary suitor for Stringer is true, McClure considers it confirmation that Steven Motlop will be on his way out of the club at season’s end to create additional salary cap room.
The Cat could possibly be involved in a trade to the Gold Coast Suns for two-time Brownlow Medallist Gary Ablett.