Breaking: Demons GM to depart club at season's end

Melbourne Football Club and Alan Richardson will part ways at the end of the season.

It's understood Richardson has told confidantes close to him of his decision to leave, which coincides with the end of his contract.

Richardson was the football boss in the club's drought-breaking flag in 2021, and is currently the director of football performance.

He arrived at the Demons in late 2019 following a 126-game coaching stint at St Kilda.

It's unclear whether the 61-year-old intends to remain in football or retire.

It is well known that Richardson shares a long-time friendship with Collingwood chief executive Craig Kelly, while he was also Port Adelaide's director of coaching alongside Ken Hinkley, the recently-appointed Devils coach.

Richardson has also worked at Carlton, Collingwood, the Western Bulldogs and Essendon since retiring from playing in 1996.

Richardson, a well-respected member of Melbourne's football department since he arrived, was embroiled in a legal controversy earlier this year when he revealed sensitive information about Steven May and his partner Sachi Dade on a Zoom call with the partners of players.

Richardson, coach Steven King and the club were sued, but the matter was settled for a five-figure sum before it went to court.

The club apologised twice for the misstep.

It's unclear whether the Demons will seek a replacement for Richardson, or have his role absorbed by other staffers given Ned Guy's appointment late last year as chief of football and innovation.

Melbourne was contacted for comment.