AFL announces Andrew Dillon as successor for Gillon McLachlan as Chief Executive

The AFL has announced Andrew Dillon as its next Chief Executive, with League Chairman, Richard Goyder, confirming this morning that the long-serving executive would replace the outgoing Gillon McLachlan at the conclusion of the 2023 season.

Currently the AFL's Executive General Manager of Football Operations, Legal, Integrity and General Counsel, Dillon, who has worked at the League in a number of capacities since August 2000, will now act as the Chief Executive-elect for the remainder of the season, officially taking on his new role as of 2nd October.

Commenting on his appointment, Dillon advised "I am honoured and truly humbled to lead the greatest game in the world into its next phase.

"Football has been a defining part of my life and it is a privilege to be able to lead the industry in ensuring our game remains relevant, accessible and welcoming to all Australians.

"It is important that we continue to strengthen every part of our game, from the 18 AFL clubs, who all now have both AFL and AFLW programs, right through to the grassroots and I am looking forward to working with our AFL team, our clubs, our players and the wider industry to ensure our game expands its reach.

"Every touch point in footy should be a positive and memorable one, from attending a match, to a parent signing their child up for Auskick for the first time, a player being drafted, or a community umpire debuting on a Saturday afternoon. Our game connects with so many, and I am driven to ensure we continue to make all these moments unforgettable.

"It is really important that we are a game for everyone, a game that is accessible, affordable and safe and a game where everyone feels welcome.”

Commenting on the appointment, Goyder stated "Andrew has been a key leader and voice in every decision we have made as an organisation for many years, and he brings not only experience across both elite and community football but also a key involvement in our major broadcast and partnership deals and in developing and shaping the AFL’s response to a number of key social issues.

"Andrew is a well-known and highly respected leader and has great support across the industry for his calm, considered and collaborative approach. To do this role, you need a genuine love for the game and Andrew has a massive love and care for the game that he has demonstrated over his 23 years at the AFL. He knows football, he knows the football community, he knows our supporters, our volunteers and participants and he has a clear vision of taking our game to more and more people.

"We are really pleased to appoint Andrew to the CEO role and know he will expertly guide the industry to a new era of growth and further build on the work that Gill and the team have done over the past decade. The Commission looks forward to working with Andrew to ensure our game is the sport and entertainment choice in every home in Australia."

Changes following Dillon’s appointment will see General Manager of Competition Management, Laura Kane, will take on the role as acting General Manager of Football while General Manager of Legal and Regulatory, Stephen Meade, has been appointed as the AFL's General Counsel.

McLachlan, who announced last April that he would be stepping down from Chief Executive role, will end a 23-year association with the AFL - including 10 seasons in the senior role after replacing Andrew Demetriou in 2014.

The announcement of Dillon's appointment comes on the day that Rugby Australia advised that its Chief Executive Andy Marinos will be leaving his role in mid-June.

Images: Andrew Dillon (top); Dillon with AFL Chairman Richard Goyder (middle) and Dillon with daughters Chloe, Pippa and Lucy and wife Amanda today (below). Credit: AFL Photos.