Sam Graham named Chief Operating Officer of the Brisbane Lions

Sam Graham, part of the AFL senior leadership team managing the game’s Tasmanian expansion, has been named Chief Operating Officer of the Brisbane Lions.

Graham has been part of the AFL for more than 18 years, with leadership positions across Strategy and Club Services, as Chief Executive of AFL NSW / ACT, AFL General Manager Game Development, and most recently as General Manager Tasmanian expansion.

Over his extensive career at the AFL, Graham most recently helped lead the development of AFL’s business case and commercial negotiations with the Tasmanian Government for the 19th licence in Tasmania.

Graham also played a key role in the AFL’s expansion to 18 teams, and supported expansion clubs the Gold Coast SUNS and GWS Giants in their early stages, and he was also part of the team to secure the Adelaide Oval redevelopment. As Chief Executive of AFL NSW/ACT from 2015 to 2020 he oversaw a period of record growth in participation, commercial revenue and facility development.

Commenting on Graham’s move, AFL Executive General Manager - Clubs and Broadcast, Travis Auld stated “over Sam’s expansive career at the AFL he has experienced and played a leadership role in everything from relationships with clubs, to government, stadia, fans and community and at each juncture he has delivered above and beyond.

“On behalf of everyone at the AFL, we thank Sam for his 18 years of service to footy and congratulate him on his new role as COO at Brisbane. Sam leaves AFL house having made a lasting impact, especially in key markets and highlighted by the recent announcement of the League's 19th License announcement in Tasmania.

“Most importantly he is not lost to our game and will now play a key role under Greg Swann and will be instrumental in working with the Lions executive team, the AFL and the Queensland government on the redevelopment of the GABBA and its impact on the Brisbane Lions Football Club.”

Graham will complete a handover period, including his on-going work on the new Tasmanian AFL and AFLW teams and finish at the AFL in late September, before commencing his new role at the Brisbane Lions in mid-October.

Commenting on his career change, Graham advised “I have been privileged to be able to lead and be part of many great teams over my journey at the AFL. I am extremely grateful to everyone across the organisation and wider footy industry and now look forward to continuing those relationships as a key part of the Lions and building on everything they are doing in Queensland.”

Image: Sam Graham at the launch of the 2018 Toyota AFL Finals Series. Credit: AFL Photos.