Essendon Football Club Director Dorothy Hisgrove has informed the Club that she will not seek another term in the lead up to this year’s Annual General Meeting and will step down from the Board at the end of 2026.

Hisgrove joined the Board in August 2021 and served as Vice President of the Club. During her tenure, she chaired the People and Remuneration Committee and led the Board’s people and leadership strategy. She also served on the Nominations Committee and the First Nations Advisory Council.

Essendon President Andrew Welsh paid tribute to the lasting impact Hisgrove has had on the Club through her leadership and commitment.

“In a period of significant change for the Club, Dorothy has provided outstanding leadership in the governance and management of our people,” Welsh said.

“She has been a strong advocate for our people, consistently ensuring that the wellbeing, development and success of our staff remained central to the Club’s strategic priorities.

“Beyond that, Dorothy brought deep experience, sound judgement and valuable insight across a broad range of governance and risk matters.

“On a personal level, I would like to thank her for her leadership, support and the immense contribution she has made as a Club Director. I have particularly valued her guidance and encouragement and I am grateful for the support she has provided to me throughout our time on the Board together.

“I’m also pleased that Dorothy has agreed to continue supporting the Club in an advisory capacity. Her experience, insight and understanding of our people, culture and governance will remain an asset to the Club and we look forward to continuing to benefit from her counsel in the years ahead.”

Hisgrove said serving on the Essendon Board had been a highlight of her career.

“Serving on the Essendon Board has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional and governance career,” Hisgrove said.

“I am proud of what we’ve achieved together and especially grateful for the relationships I have built along the way.

“Essendon is a Club with an extraordinary history and a bright future, and I leave with great confidence in the Board, management and playing group as they continue to build on the foundations that have been established.”