Essendon’s list manager, Adrian Dodoro, appears to still be heavily involved in the club’s list management, despite earlier announcements suggesting a step back from his role. Reports indicate that Dodoro is actively handling contract negotiations, including recent deals for players like Jordan Ridley and Kyle Langford, which were front-ended to create future cap space. This additional flexibility could potentially be used to pursue a star forward in the future.
Despite the initial announcement of stepping back in favor of Matt Rosa, who took on the role of AFL Talent & Operations Manager, Dodoro’s continued involvement suggests a different story. Dodoro himself stated last year that after nearly three decades in the role, it was time for a change to achieve a better work-life balance. However, his ongoing role indicates that the transition may not be as immediate as initially thought.
Rosa, a former player with experience at West Coast Eagles and Gold Coast Suns, was chosen by Dodoro and the club’s leadership to succeed him in the role, indicating a planned succession. Dodoro’s continued involvement could be seen as a way to ensure a smooth transition and maintain stability in the club’s list management during this period.
