- Jeff Browne says he will step down as Collingwood president
- The 72-year-old man is battling blood cancer.
- He says he will leave when the time is right.
Collingwood president Jeff Browne is to step down amid his ongoing battle with cancer.
The 72-year-old says he will step down when he feels the time is right as the Pies boss is currently battling myeloma, a type of blood cancer.
According to 7news, Browne has told the board he will resign when he believes the club has “things in order”.
That may take some time yet given the drama surrounding the departure of football boss Graham Wright, as well as the 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 football.
Reports also suggest there are “significant tensions” between Wright and Kelly.
Browne is running for re-election but a succession plan is now expected to be put in place.
The Pies are looking to restructure their football department after a disappointing season that saw them miss the finals, despite winning the championship last year.
Jeff Browne has revealed he will step down as Collingwood president
The 72-year-old has been battling blood cancer since September 2023.
Browne was diagnosed with blood cancer in September last year but kept news of his health private during the club’s Championship win.
“It is currently incurable and that is a shock to anyone,” she told 7news earlier this year.
“It’s like a football club… You know, you finish 17th two years ago and you win the championship two years later.
‘If you fight hard, put in the effort, show discipline in your life and determination and believe, then good things happen.
“I’m determined to beat him… and I have a lot 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.