Brendan McCartney has quit as coach of the Western Bulldogs.

The crisis-hit AFL club confirmed McCartney’s departure at a press conference on Friday morning, with President Peter Gordon citing communication issues with players as the reason for the coach’s downfall.

McCartney’s position had been under scrutiny following the Bulldogs’ tepid finish to the season, although three days ago Gordon dismissed reports the coach went within a whisker of losing his job last month.

Gordon admitted that disgruntled captain Ryan Griffen’s shock trade request to Greater Western Sydney on Thursday directly led to McCartney’s demise.

Griffen’s misgivings about McCartney were behind the two-time club champion’s desire to leave Whitten Oval.

McCartney, having lost the support of his most influential charge, then entered into high-ranking meetings with Bulldogs powerbrokers on Thursday over whether he should stay on.

Gordon said McCartney’s relationship with players had “deteriorated” this season, particularly in the latter half of their campaign.

In the end McCartney quit his post, however Gordon admitted negative feedback had severely compromised the coach’s chances of helping the club succeed.

It appears McCartney was left with little choice but to fall on his sword.

Gordon said McCartney agreed that staying on would be an “impediment to our continued improvement” and that he was leaving his post effective immediately.

However, despite the apparent player power at play, Gordon said “our players don’t run this club, we do.”

McCartney was appointed coach in 2011, when he pipped favourite son Leon Cameron who is now coaching GWS.