Collingwood president Jeff Browne will step down from the role amid his ongoing cancer battle.
The 72-year-old says he will step down when he deems the time is right, with the Pies boss currently battling myeloma, a type of blood cancer.
According to 7news, Browne has told the board that he will step down when he believes the club have ‘things in order’.
That may take a while yet owing to drama surrounding football boss Graham Wright’s exit, as well as controversy over CEO Craig Kelly.
Kelly has been accused of racism by a former Pies employee, and Wright’s departure comes after he took a year off from footy.
Reports also suggest there being ‘significant tensions’ between Wright and Kelly.
Browne is in contention for re-election but it is now expected that a succession plan will get under way.
The Pies are looking to restructure their football department after a disappointing season saw them miss out on finals, despite winning the premiership last year.
Browne was diagnosed with blood cancer in September last year but kept the health news private during the club’s premiership victory.
‘It is presently incurable and that’s a shock to anybody,’ he told 7news earlier this year.
‘It’s like a football club …. You know, you finish 17th two years ago and you win the premiership two years later.
‘If you fight hard, apply yourself, show discipline in your life and determination and believe, then good things happen.
‘I’m determined to beat it … and I’ve got too much to do in my life,’ he said.
‘If I hit the wall I’ll hit it hard and they’ll have to scrape me off.’
Browne is the father of Seven’s AFL reporter Tom Browne.
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