Leaders step down at Victorian football’s governing bodies

Significant developments for sport in Victoria have today seen announcements that Ben Kavenagh, Head of AFL Victoria, is to step down from his position at the end of September and that Kimon Taliadoros has resigned from his position as Chief Executive at Football Victoria.

Taliadoros, who served as Chairman of Football Victoria for five years before becoming Chief Executive in early 2021, has been today been thanked by the Board of Football Victoria for having “always pursued a bold and ambitious agenda”.

The Board statement continued “he spearheaded Football Victoria’s response to COVID-19 including navigating the impact of some two years of lockdowns and reduced competition across the state.

“Under his leadership, Football Victoria was the first sporting entity to commit to 50/50 gender equity and was instrumental in not only securing State and Federal Government funding but in guiding the development of the world-class Home of the Matildas which takes pride of place at La Trobe University, and also houses Football Victoria’s Headquarters and state football centre.”

Speaking about his decision, Taliadoros (pictured) advised “it has been a privilege to serve the game.

“I am grateful to the selfless volunteers and dedicated staff that provide the resilience and energy that drives football in Victoria every day.”

While a recruitment process begins for Taliadoros’ replacement, Karen Pearce OAM, Football Victoria’s Head of Equity, Growth and Inclusion will perform the role on an acting basis.

Ben Kavenagh
Ben Kavenagh’s stepping down from his position as Head of AFL Victoria, a role he took on in late 2021 September, has been made as a result of his decision to return to Adelaide for family reasons.

In a statement, AFL advised that “in the last two years, Kavenagh has made a significant contribution to community football in leading the AFL Victoria team to reboot participation numbers back to pre-pandemic 2019 levels. This has been critical in providing leagues and clubs right across the state with certainty about the game’s future, after two heavily disrupted seasons in 2020 and 2021.

“In addition, Ben has reconnected the governing body with local regions, metropolitan leagues and a broad stakeholder network to ensure AFL Victoria is well positioned to continue on its journey to have ‘Footy in Every Home’ in the coming years.”

Commenting on his contribution, AFL Executive - General Manager Game Development, Rob Auld stated “I would like to thank Ben for the significant contribution he has made to the game in Victoria over the past two years.

“Ben joined at a critical time as the game faced unique challenges. Under Ben’s leadership at AFL Victoria, community football has bounced back strongly and the foundation is there for football to flourish across the state in years to come.”

Kavenagh stated “I am proud of what the team has been able to achieve through a really important period for the game coming off the back of the challenges and disruption everyone across community football faced through the pandemic.

“I have really enjoyed my time in the role, leading a great team and working closely with stakeholders at all levels of community football in Victoria.”

The AFL will soon commence the search for Kavenagh’s replacement.