St Kilda Football Club can confirm it has parted ways with Senior Coach Brett Ratten following an extensive review of its football program.

President Andrew Bassat informed Ratten of the decision following a board meeting on Thursday evening.

The Football Review commenced in July and was led by Bassat with a Working Committee that included well-respected football administrator David Noble, Chief Executive Officer Simon Lethlean, as well as Board members Russell Caplan, Jason Blake and Dean Anderson.

Bassat acknowledged it was an incredibly difficult time for Ratten and his family and thanked him for his contributions.

“Brett is much loved and respected by many at the club and throughout the industry,” Bassat said.

“Brett has given his heart and soul to the Club, and has shown immense care and passion for staff, players and the club’s supporters.  We are grateful to him for leading the team to our first finals appearance and win in a decade in 2020.

“For all of us on the Board, the decision to part ways with Brett was one of the hardest we have ever made. We know it is incredibly tough on the individual, but at the end of the day our duty to the club had to override our strong affection, regard and appreciation for Brett.

“I will report back in more detail on key components of the Review to members shortly, but I want to make it clear that when we commenced this process, we had no predetermined outcomes, except to make the right decisions for the Club and give our people and program the best chance of success.

“I also want to address the issue of the extension of the contract.

“We gave Brett assurance at the start of 2022 that we would give him clarity mid-year. 

“At the time, the team was winning games and in contention, and we wanted to give Brett all the support he needed to give him the best chance of success and to show that he could be our long-term coach. 

“If we as a Club have regrets about that in hindsight, we cannot let those regrets get in the way of making the right decision for the future.

“The Football Review has affirmed that while we have made improvements, there is still a big gap between where we are and where we want to be, and that we have a lot more work to do right across the Club to create a culture that drives sustainable success. 

“We do not yet have the winning culture or ruthless commitment to football excellence that we need.

“Our Club is hungry for success, and we believe a different type of leader and a new voice is needed to take us on the next stage of the journey.

“We have already acted on one key recommendation of the review, which is the appointment of a new Executive General Manager of Football in Geoff Walsh, and this next step for a new Senior Coach is critical.”

Brett Ratten thanked the Club.

“I have loved my time at St Kilda Football Club, and while I am extremely disappointed with the decision, I thank the Club for the opportunity and wish the players well.”

The Club will now embark on finding a replacement Senior Coach to help lead its AFL program in 2023 and beyond.