AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan is abandoning the game’s top job after serving for eight long years.
McLachlan had previously stated his intention to resign before the pandemic, but faithfully remained at his post after assuring chairman Richard Goyder he would “help rebuild the competition.” A press conference has been called for mid-morning, where the former is expected to outline his exit strategy alongside the latter.
According to The Age, while the 2022 season’s conclusion will mark the end of his accomplished tenure, the outgoing CEO is still keen to play a part in nominating his successor. Contenders within the AFL include football boss Andrew Dillon and fellow executive Travis Auld.
RELATED: Ash Barty Retires From Tennis In Shock Announcement
Richmond’s Brendon Gale – who interviewed for this gig back in 2014, the last time it was up for grabs when Andrew Demetriou departed – is believed to be a heavy favourite among the clubs, while Western Bulldogs President Kylie Watson-Wheeler is also another person of “immediate interest.”
“McLachlan’s announcement comes as the game has completed its sixth AFLW season,” writes Caroline Wilson of The Age.
“One of his key legacies along with a long series of broadcast agreements that placed the league at the helm of Australian sport.”
Gillon McLachlan is also reportedly committed to completing the “complicated processes” attached to new Collective Bargaining Agreements for both the women’s and men’s competitions, as well as finalising new club-funding models and a fresh broadcast deal, which expires at the end of 2024.
More to come.
