Grant was a champion player with the club, known as Footscray when he started in 1990, through the ’90s and 2000s before joining the board in 2011, and become the football boss in 2016 to oversee the men’s and women’s teams. Both sides won flags, in 2016 and 2018 respectively.

Grant said in a club statement on Friday that now was the right time to leave and spend more time with his family.

“I’ve spent over half of my life with the club as a player and administrator and will cherish the many memories we have created together at the Western Bulldogs,” Grant said.

“While the decision to pause and map out the next stage of my professional career has not been an easy one, I leave knowing the club is in a great position to succeed and write the next chapter in the amazing history of the red, white and blue.”

Loading

Premiership players Jack Macrae and Caleb Daniel both left for other clubs over the off-season, as did young star Bailey Smith.

The Bulldogs were contacted for comment.

Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.