The Goon
Norm Smith Medallist
Personally I’m not overly impressed with the directions Gillon McLachlan has taken our great code in.
I was wondering about the man and did a bit of research into his history (ok, I spent 5 minutes on Wikipedia). I must say I was very surprised at the breadth of his experience – or should I say lack thereof. Granted he has a long history at grassroots footy level, but after studying commerce and law he spent only 3 years at Accenture as a ‘management consultant’ (shudder). Since 2000 he has then spent his entire time at the AFL. Not exactly well rounded experience-wise IMHO.
So what are his achievements at the AFL? According to Wikipedia:
Since becoming CEO:
Ticks: 3
Crosses: 4
Neutral / Juries Out: 2
Not great, but far from a disaster either. What do you think? Have I missed anything (well, of course, and if so what? Am I too harsh or fair?
Update 1: Kappa: "Was it Gill who oversaw Free Agency? thats a tick." (Also nominated equalisation - I put that down as jury's out).
Ticks: 4
Crosses: 4
Neutral / Juries Out: 3
I was wondering about the man and did a bit of research into his history (ok, I spent 5 minutes on Wikipedia). I must say I was very surprised at the breadth of his experience – or should I say lack thereof. Granted he has a long history at grassroots footy level, but after studying commerce and law he spent only 3 years at Accenture as a ‘management consultant’ (shudder). Since 2000 he has then spent his entire time at the AFL. Not exactly well rounded experience-wise IMHO.
So what are his achievements at the AFL? According to Wikipedia:
- Played a role in delivering stadiums for GWS and the Gold Coast. Have to put this down as a tick I’d have thought.
- Established the AFL media department. Not sure if this is a plus or minus.
- Negotiated media deal of $1.25 billion. Granted I think any capable operator could have got this amount around that time, but he did pull it off without any mess. Tick.
- Oversaw the Melbourne tanking investigation. Everyone was unhappy, but he protected a club in a venerable position, so from the AFLs position would have to be a tick. Compared to what happened with Adelaide over the same period though not exactly equitable. So I’m landing on Neutral.
- Oversaw the Essendon supplements scandal. One of the few times the NRL schooled the AFL on how to handle something. Total cluster****. Big cross.
Since becoming CEO:
- Introduction of AFLX. Mediocre idea poorly executed, will be gone in a couple of years and won’t achieve what it wanted to. Cross.
- Changing the rules after trialling in a couple of practice sessions. Jury would still be out on the effects, but lack of process would be a cross for me at this stage.
- Introduction of AFLW. Despite the general lack of interest on Bigfooty it’s generated a lot of interest in women I speak to. Also I’ll give it another go based on my team fielding a side next year. Tick.
- Team in Tasmania not achieved. Cross.
Ticks: 3
Crosses: 4
Neutral / Juries Out: 2
Not great, but far from a disaster either. What do you think? Have I missed anything (well, of course, and if so what? Am I too harsh or fair?
Update 1: Kappa: "Was it Gill who oversaw Free Agency? thats a tick." (Also nominated equalisation - I put that down as jury's out).
Ticks: 4
Crosses: 4
Neutral / Juries Out: 3
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