15 Candidates for the new AFL CEO

15 Candidates for the new AFL CEO

After eight years in the top job, overseeing things like the launch of AFLW, record TV deals, scandals, trials, tribulations, triumphs…not to mention overseeing footy during the pandemic – Gillon McLachlan is hanging up his RM Williams boots to spend more time on the polo field at the end of the 2022 season.

Being CEO of the AFL means (in some circles) you are under as much if not more scrutiny than the Prime Minister.

It’s the most powerful job in Australian sport and no matter what you do – someone isn’t going to like it.

The likes of Ross Oakley, Wayne Jackson, Andrew Demetriou and now Gillon McLachlan’s time at the helm are defining eras of the game.

Who will be the next person to be to-dog at AFL House?

We can exclusively reveal the candidate short-list that’s been put together.

(1) Brendon Gale

 

Richmond’s CEO has been touted many times before as a future AFL boss.

He turned the Tigers from a joke to a powerhouse and is a club legend.

However, the Tassie paper putting him front page as a candidate along with a story about an axe murderer and Clive Palmer isn’t the best look.

(2) Andrew Dillon

Law talking guy from the AFL.

Straight man.

Company man.

Probably capable.

(3) Travis Auld

Image

Former Gold Coast Suns CEO, turned AFL second banana.

Comes out every time a fixture drops saying “it’s a win for fans”

(4) Kylie Rogers

LISTEN: Why the AFLW is smashing it on and off the field

Highly regarded at AFL House, head of commercial operations.

Every chance to be the first female CEO of the AFL, a sign of the times.

(5) Christine Holgate

Sheahan Ink: Christine Holgate in line to replace Gil | Herald Sun

Former Australia Post CEO now on the Collingwood board.

With a background in postal/delivery services, games will be now start on a Wednesday between 9-12 midday, not delivered and we all have to go elsewhere to pick up our four premiership points.

(6) Hamish McLachlan

Gillon McLachlan, Hamish McLachlan - Gillon McLachlan and Hamish McLachlan Photos - Zimbio

Keep it in the family.

Gil’s brother, the master of the caring long interview and once wore a Superman shirt to celebrate Marvel Stadium – despite it being in the DC comics world – at least he tried.

Can double up with Channel 7 commitments with Seven’s Melbourne studios being right next door to AFL House.

(7) Eddie McGuire

Eddie McGuire (AM)

Everyone knows Eddie is currently polishing off his CV to apply for this job.

Fantastic. That’s the way. Good on ya pal.

Should he apply?
A – No
B – No
C- No
D- No

Answer C- No.

(8) Peter V’Landys

AFL news 2021: Peter V'landys says NRL saved boring AFL from financial ruin

Mr. Rugbah Leeg and NSW Racing can single-handedly bring down the AFL and all Victorian Racing in one of the all-time acts of sabotage by taking the top job.

His long term dream of a world of only Rugbah Leeg and where the Everest is the only major race in Australia would be complete.

(9) Kane Cornes

A man who has an opinion on everything, and bags people for the sake of bagging people can take the top job and then Slam himself for being “arrogant” and “getting ahead of himself” on his various media commitments.

“AFL great Kane Cornes slams AFL CEO Kane Cornes…” the article just writes itself.

(10) Hutchy

Hutchison buys Perth Wildcats for $8.5m from rich-lister Jack Bendat | The West Australian

Hutchy’s proposal for a final 18 wildcard finals series with a best of 40 Grand Final game series played in LA sponsored by McCafe, Total Tools, Hang My TV, Wonthaggi Hardware along with our great friends at Drink Wise ….it might be a hard sell.

(11) Damien Barrett

AFL: Damian Barrett suggests Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley 'stand down'

IF
Damo becomes the CEO of the AFL

THEN
Bevo will be expelled from the game for life.

(12) Brett Kirk

 

Thanks Basil. I just want to give you a bit of an insight into the AFL executive. We’re a bunch of unique individuals Goyder, Auld , Dillon, McLachlan and myself. We’re gonna engage with our minds and our hearts. We’re gonna exchange ideas, thoughts and even our energy. And to speak from your heart you need to have courage. You need to be honest and authentic. We’re not always gonna get it right. And sometimes, you’re not going to agree with us. But that’s okay, because just like you we care. Just like you, we’re passionate about the game. So if you want to come along for the ride, join us at AFL House, because we just love the footy.

(13) Alastair Clarkson

Clarkson vents anger on wall - Offsiders - Offsiders

Man needs a job.

(14) Jeff Kennett

AFL 2020: Jeff Kennett car accident, thought he would die, Hawthorn president, dragged under his car in his driveway

Jeff thinks he can do it and will probably suggest he do it, but Jeff, mate – give it up already.

(15) Twitter / Big Footy Forum Nuffies

If there’s anyone who knows how football should be run, it’s those blokes who spend way too much time on Twitter/Big Footy forums critiquing the minor things that happen in the world of footy.

Oh wait…