The North Melbourne Football Club has set its sights on securing another critical off-field signing in the coming weeks as the club begins a nation-wide search for a Director of Commercial Operations.

Since James Brayshaw took over as North Melbourne Chairman in December, the club’s momentum has continued to grow with membership approaching 21,000 before this week’s opening NAB Cup fixture in Darwin.

The membership growth has spiraled even further since Eugene Arocca was lured from Collingwood and the announcement of Vodafone joining Mazda as a joint major sponsor of the club.

Arocca said the Roos will be spreading the net far and wide in the club’s search for an experienced corporate and sporting administrator.

“There is a sense of excitement in the place and we now have a clear path forward on how we want to position ourselves in the AFL. We see this as an excellent opportunity for an experienced commercial administrator to ensure that we achieve the best possible results in our traditional football based revenue streams,” Arocca said.

“The new role is part of the corporate restructure that has taken place within the club which is aimed at streamlining our operations as we cement our future in Melbourne.”

“We have worked hard on finalising a structure that will take the club forward and unfortunately, this has involved some staff movement. However, the Board and Executive are focused on ensuring the club’s long term future in Melbourne.” Arocca said.

“Our history has always involved strong links with the local community – from 2008 we consider the whole of Melbourne our community and we are certainly exploring new and inventive ways to connect with communities around Melbourne like never before. An important element in achieving those plans is a strong business underpinning the club and this next appointment will be a key driver in that regard.”

The club expects to announce an appointment for the new position by the beginning of the home and away season.