Former Adelaide coach Neil Craig has joined Melbourne Football Club in a new role as the club's director of sports performance.
It's understood the 55-year-old was actively courted by Carlton and Richmond for similar roles before opting to join the Demons.
"I am convinced through my dialogue with Cameron Schwab, Garry Lyon and the board that the Melbourne Football Club is serious about becoming a high-performance football club," said Craig.
"In Mark Neeld I see a coach that has a clear vision and I wanted to be part of this coaching group that will work really hard to give the members and supporters what they have been craving for."
Craig served Adelaide for seven years as senior coach.
Before that he was an assistant coach with the Crows and a fitness adviser during their premierships years, 1997 and 1998.
Craig also worked as an adviser to the Australian cycling team at the Sydney Olympics.
He will be expected to provide leadership, strategic direction and management support to new senior coach Mark Neeld, elite performance manager Dave Misson and the club's player development manager, Todd Viney.
Craig will also be required to support, develop and mentor the Demons' coaching team.
Chief executive Cameron Schwab said the Demons targeted Craig for the new role.
"Neil Craig was our first choice for this position and we are delighted he has accepted this role," said Schwab.
"This is a different model than has traditionally existed in AFL clubs, but we are confident it in the structure we now have in place being the very best for our purpose."
"With Mark Neeld, Neil Craig, Todd Viney and David Misson, together with recently announced assistant coaching appointments, we have put in place a highly credentialed team with a broad range of experiences and expertise."
Meanwhile, Steven Icke has resigned as Carlton's general manager of football operations.
The 55-year-old joined the Blues at the start of 2007 from Fremantle where he was the Dockers' personnel and list manager.
"I have enjoyed by time at Carlton and leave with the knowledge the football department, and indeed the club, is in a very positive position," said Icke.
"My decision is about continuing to improve my professional career and it was important for Carlton that I make this move prior to the upcoming trade periods."
A member of North Melbourne's 1977 premiership side, Icke played a total of 198 games for the Kangaroos and Melbourne.
He won the Demons' best and fairest in 1982.
It's understood Icke's relationship with Carlton coach Brett Ratten was strained.
Carlton chief executive Greg Swann said the club supports Icke's decision to develop his career elsewhere.
"Steven restructured the football department and has played an important role in the resurrection of the Carlton playing list since joining the Club in 2007," said Swann.
"On behalf of everyone at Carlton I wish to thank him for the important contributions he has made to the club."