The Melbourne Football Club has confirmed cancer-stricken president Jim Stynes has stepped down from his post at the club's annual general meeting on Wednesday night.
Stynes' replacement and former vice-president Don McLardy made the announcement in the Members' Dining Room at the MCG.
Stynes couldn't attend due to ongoing treatment but in a statement said his decision was in the best interests of everyone concerned.
"As Melbourne enters what promises to be an exciting new season, and hopefully exciting new era, I see this an opportune time to step down as Melbourne president," Stynes said.
"It will give the football club the best chance to be 100 percent prepared for Round 1 and will give me the time to fully focus on my health and family."
"I am extremely proud of what the board has managed to achieve since I took on the presidency in June 2008, particularly in bringing a greater sense of unity and purpose to the club."
"I have full confidence that Don McLardy and the team will continue that work. Don has my full support to lead the club and the Demons can rely on me to help out in an advisory capacity at any time."
The 45-year-old has been fighting a very public cancer battle in the past two-and-a-half years during which time he's had multiple tumours removed from his body including several from his brain.
Stynes is arguably the reason why the Melbourne Football Club is still around.
Since taking over from Paul Gardner in 2008, the 1990 Brownlow Medalist oversaw the club wipe out its $5 million debt thanks to the successful 'Debt Demolition' campaign, reunite with the Melbourne Cricket Club and establish a stable headquarters at AAMI Park.
Stynes played 264 games for the club including a record 244 in succession from 1987-98 after being recruited from Ireland as a pioneering convert from Gaelic football.
Stynes etched a place in football folklore when he won the game's highest individual honour, the Brownlow Medal, in 1990.
In other Melbourne board movements, Guy Jalland and fellow director Peter Spargo will serve as joint vice-presidents.
Former captain and best-and-fairest Greg Healy has also joined the board as director in a 'casual vacancy' capacity.