Paul Guerra, the axed Melbourne Demons CEO, is preparing legal action against the club after being dismissed 232 days into the job, with his camp seeking more than $1 million in termination payments.
Paul Guerra’s abrupt exit as Melbourne Football Club CEO lasted just 232 days, but the fallout is set to run much longer.
Dismissed on April 28. the former Demons chief executive is now preparing for a legal showdown with the AFL club. expected to seek more than $1 million in termination payments.. The dispute is already threatening to spill further into the public arena. potentially drawing attention away from Melbourne’s on-field work under new coach Steven King. with the club positioned inside the top four during 2026.
Melbourne initially said it had moved on from Guerra due to a “general lack of confidence,” with president Steven Smith insisting the decision was supported unanimously by the board. Guerra, though, told the public on the day he was sacked that he was “really puzzled” by the move.
“I think there is genuine evidence that there were times when he acted without the board’s consent,” veteran football journalist Caroline Wilson said, describing new alleged details surrounding Guerra’s departure.
Wilson reported Guerra made several significant decisions without board approval. including discussions tied to a possible temporary move to Waverley Park.. She said a “red flag” was raised in early March when it was reported Melbourne were moving to Waverley in the interim before any potential Caulfield deal.
According to Wilson. Guerra continued visiting Waverley with AFL bosses. going “many times. ” until Melbourne told him to stop because officials were concerned it could jeopardise the proposed long-term move to Caulfield.. The tension reportedly intensified again when auditorium seating at Waverley Park was reupholstered in Melbourne colours despite resistance from the board.
Further friction, Wilson said, emerged around discussions about selling a second home game to the Northern Territory. Reports suggested the board was blindsided once details became public, after Tom Morris reported Melbourne were looking at not one game but two in the region.
Guerra moved quickly after his dismissal, lawyered up and publicly confirmed the matter was heading toward a legal path.
“It’s been a challenging day. I’m really puzzled by the board’s decision,” Guerra said. “I’m really proud of the team we’ve put together and I’m really proud of the role that I’ve played in the team’s success.”
He also thanked supporters who messaged and phoned, before adding: “The matter’s now in the hands of my lawyers, so I can’t say much more than that for now.”
Since Guerra’s removal, Melbourne has appointed experienced football administrator Brian Cook as interim CEO while the club searches for a permanent replacement.
On the legal front, Guerra’s representatives are understood to be preparing a claim that includes allegations of reputational damage. Melbourne, meanwhile, has reportedly engaged high-profile legal figures in anticipation of what is expected to become a fierce fight.
A spokesman for Guerra’s lawyers has also accused the club of briefing against their client through the media. saying: “Mr Guerra has a strong claim. which will shortly be filed.. He will continue to respect the legal process. and the substance of his claim against the Club will emerge at the appropriate time.”
Paul Guerra Melbourne Demons AFL CEO termination payments Steven King Steven Smith Brian Cook legal showdown