Geoff Walsh had been appointed as football manager but is not due to start until November 1 with David Rath,who was expected to become football boss,focusing on strategy and supporting the coaches.

The decision comes just weeks after long-serving CEO Matt Finnis finished at the club and was replaced by former football boss Simon Lethlean. Assistant coach Brendon Lade has joined the Western Bulldogs and Lenny Hayes has returned to the Saints.

Adem Yze is understood to be another person in the frame as a potential replacement for Ratten with favourite son Robert Harvey - who is an assistant at Hawthorn - also a possible candidate. Former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley is planning to travel to America in February and is focused on continuing his media career in 2023 while the Western Bulldogs are confident Luke Beveridge will adhere to his contract to continue as their coach next year with discussions about an extension likely to be begin soon.

The club had a quiet trade period having missed out on recruiting Collingwood free agent Jordan De Goey.