The AFL has announced that Andrew Dillon, the league’s general counsel, will be taking over as CEO-elect after a year-long search for the right candidate. The move has been seen as a wise one, given Dillon’s deep knowledge of the AFL and his experience in managing major broadcast and corporate partnership deals. Dillon, who will take over from Gillon McLachlan at the end of the men’s AFL season, will have a generous five-month handover period to rebuild his team and review the structure of the organization. He has already flagged grassroots football as a priority and will focus on making key appointments such as a new executive general manager of football.
McLachlan, who announced his resignation in April last year, will continue to deal with a range of issues, including the entry of a Tasmanian team, a new pay deal for male and female players, and the inquiry into alleged racism at Hawthorn. Dillon, who has been McLachlan’s second-in-command at the AFL, was seen as the leading candidate to replace him and beat a field of candidates, including Richmond CEO Brendon Gale, Western Bulldogs president Kylie Watson-Wheeler, and fellow AFL executives Travis Auld and Kylie Rogers to the job of leading the country’s biggest sporting organization.
Dillon’s appointment has also raised questions about diversity and whether the AFL is a “boys’ club.” However, Dillon has denied these allegations, pointing to the caliber of the executive team and his football, integrity, and legal team, which he describes as a talented and diverse workforce.
“We have got a talented, diverse workforce, and everyone’s opinions are listened to and acted on. The more diverse the talent, the better the assistance you get. It’s really important, and I can’t stress it enough, that we are a game for everyone,” Dillon said.
Dillon also spoke about the ongoing inquiry into alleged racism at Hawthorn, saying that the AFL had an independent process in place and that he would work to get the best and right outcome. He stressed that the process was independent, and the organization had to respect it.
AFL Chairman Richard Goyder defended the 12-month search for an internal candidate and described Dillon as the “standout choice.” He praised Dillon’s experience in the elite and community football fields, his involvement in major broadcast deals, corporate partnership deals, and developing the AFL’s response to key social issues.
“The leadership question is the most important decision the commission makes, and it is vital that we get it right. We are confident that in Andrew, we have got the right person at the right time to take us forward and guide us into what we think is an exciting era ahead,” Goyder said.
Dillon, a father of three and a Richmond supporter, expressed his love for both elite and community football and said that it was a “humble moment” for him to be appointed the next CEO of the AFL. He emphasized the importance of strengthening every part of the game, from the 18 AFL clubs to community football, which is so important to many people.
The league confirmed that Laura Kane would act in the role of executive general manager, football. The AFL will go to the market immediately for the role, with Kane expected to be among the candidates. Dillon’s appointment has been widely welcomed, and there is a sense of excitement about the direction he will take the league in the future. With a five-month handover period, he has ample time to review the structure of the organization, make key appointments, and rebuild his team. The AFL is entering an exciting era, and it will be fascinating to see what Dillon can achieve as CEO.
