Gillon McLachlan named new AFL chief executive

Gillon McLachlan is to replace Andrew Demetriou as Chief Executive of the AFL.

With Demetriou set to officially end his 11-year time in the role in at he beginning of June, earlier than originally expected, it was announced yesterday (30th April) that McLachlan will become Chief Executive on 5th June.

Following a near two-month search for Demetriou's replacement, McLachlan's appointment had been widely anticipated.

McLachlan, Demetriou's long-time deputy, is believed to have beaten AFL club bosses Brian Cook and Brendon Gale for the job from an initial list of about 100 applicants.

Announcing the appointment, AFL Commission Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick stated "it is very rewarding to be able to appoint from our own game the highest quality and standout candidate for this position.

"It is testament to Gill and the quality he brings, and testament to our industry’s capacity to develop and plan for our game’s future.

"Gill clearly has the experience and knowledge to lead the AFL.

"But he also put to the AFL Commission a compelling and detailed view of the challenges and issues for the future of our game, and his plan for these challenges."

McLachlan told a media conference at AFL House that he was "incredibly proud" to have been appointed as Chief Executive.

He stated "I understand the honour, I understand the responsibility, I understand the privilege of leading this code and this game."

He suggested that he would be "a different leader, with a different approach" to Demetriou, and the shape and structure of the AFL would change.

McLachlan said his understanding of the ongoing ASADA investigation into Essendon's supplements program in 2012 was that any infraction notices against players would be issued in the second half of May.

Among the most pressing challenges he said he faced were supporting the weaker clubs, and engaging with fans.

McLachlan also acknowledged Demetriou's work, adding "I want to congratulate Andrew Demetriou on his success and thank him for his support. He leaves incredibly big shoes to fill.  He leaves a massive legacy which I hope to build on.

"We have an amazing game, played by the most extraordinary athletes, with the most tribal of clubs and the most passionate of fans. We have our challenges but we are in an amazingly strong position and I am incredibly excited about our future."

McLachlan, had been the frontrunner to take up the post since Demetriou announced in early March he would be standing down.

McLachlan, who joined the AFL in 2000, has been groomed as Demetriou's replacement and received widespread backing from clubs once the AFL started its search for a new Chief Executive.

He turned down the role of NRL Chief Executive in 2012 before Dave Smith was appointed to that job.

Demetriou was set to leave the AFL at the end of the season but his final event as Chief Executive will be the annual AFL Hall of Fame function on 4th June.

Demetriou took over from Wayne Jackson in 2003, did not play a role in the appointment of his successor.

3rd March 2014 - ANDREW DEMETRIOU TO STEP DOWN AS AFL CHIEF EXECUTIVE