MELBOURNE has parted ways with CEO Paul Guerra, with former West Coast, Geelong and Carlton boss Brian Cook to take over on an interim basis. 

The club released a statement on Tuesday evening announcing Cook's appointment as temporary CEO, after AFL.com.au had earlier confirmed Guerra's shock departure. 

Cook had been consulting to the club since late 2025. The Demons expect to announce their new permanent CEO shortly. 

Melbourne president Steven Smith said: "I thank Paul for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best for the future. 

"Brian is a highly respected operator and with over 35 years of experience in AFL clubs, he will provide much-needed leadership and guidance through this period.

"We are pleased that Brian has agreed to step into the role in an interim capacity until a permanent CEO can commence."

Cook has spent the best part of four decades as CEO at AFL clubs and oversaw premierships during nine seasons at West Coast from 1990-98, and 23 seasons at Geelong from 1999-2021, before finishing his full-time career at Carlton from 2021-2025. 

He played four senior games at Melbourne in 1977, spending time on the Demons' list with current president Smith. 

Guerra leaves a year to the day after his appointment was announced. He officially began at the Demons in early September. 

On Tuesday evening, Guerra flagged he would pursue legal action against the club.

"It's been a challenging day. I'm really puzzled by the board's decision," Guerra told the Seven Network. "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.

"To everybody that's sent messages and phoned today - and there's been a lot - I really appreciate that.

"The matter's now in the hands of my lawyers, so I can't say much more than that for now."

One of his first key tasks was overseeing the appointment of senior coach Steven King, who has guided Melbourne to a 5-2 start to the season and transformed the game plan into a faster, more attacking style. 

Former coach Simon Goodwin's sacking in August last year was orchestrated by interim CEO David Chippindall and then-president Brad Green. 

Smith, the former Melbourne Cricket Club president, played 203 games for the Demons in the 1970s and '80s. He took over as president from Green at the club's annual general meeting in December last year. 

Before joining Melbourne, Guerra was the CEO of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and had also served as the CEO of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, and the executive chair of the Queen Victoria Market. Guerra is also a non-executive director of Racing Victoria. 

The fourth-placed Demons face top-ranked Sydney in a massive clash at the SCG on Sunday afternoon.