AFL Names Andrew Dillon As The Successor To Gillon McLachlan As CEO

The AFL has announced that Andrew Dillon will serve as the league’s next chief executive officer. Dillon, who will succeed Gillon McLachlan, is believed to be in a transitional period that will see him assume the position on October 2, 2023, at the conclusion of the men’s 2023 season.

McLachlan initially stated that he would leave at the conclusion of the 2022 season, but after multiple delays and Richard Goyder’s unsuccessful attempts to convince him to remain, the 50-year-old will likely depart in October.

Andrew Dillon As The Successor To Gillon McLachlan As CEO

In the wake of the ongoing Hawthorn racism investigation, the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the license and financing for Tasmania’s stadium, as well as the AFL’s inaugural Gather Round, a number of significant issues have arisen.

McLachlan is set to give over the reins after the Federal Government agreed to finance the remaining funds required for Tasmania to construct a stadium – a condition that would help secure the 19th AFL license – and the extraordinary success of Gather Round.

As the game enters a new era, Dillon felt “honored and profoundly humbled” by his new position.

Dillon stated in a Monday statement, “I am honored and truly humbled to lead the greatest game in the world into its next phase.”

“Football has been a defining aspect of my life, and it is an honor to lead the industry in ensuring that our game remains pertinent, accessible, and welcoming to all Australians.

“It is essential that we continue to strengthen every aspect of our game, from the 18 AFL clubs, who now all have AFL and AFLW programs, to the grassroots, and I look forward to working with our AFL team, our clubs, our players, and the broader industry to ensure that our game grows in popularity.

What is the identity of Andrew Dillon?

Dillon, McLachlan’s replacement, has been his second-in-command since the beginning of his 2014 tenure.

The Herald Sun also reported that Richmond CEO Brendan Gale, who was passed over for the AFL’s CEO position, may be appointed as Dillon’s deputy.

Ralph, a senior journalist, believes Gale’s plan “to execute the vision for the 19th licence as a proud Tasmanian with an intimate knowledge of the state’s challenges and opportunities” bodes well for the introduction of the 19th AFL team.

Dillon began his career with the AFL in 2000 as the league’s first in-house legal counsel. He will shortly be leaving his position as executive general manager of football operations, legal and integrity, and general counsel.

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In 2004, he was promoted to general manager of legal and business affairs, and in 2011, he was promoted to general manager of national and international development and general counsel.

Dillon assumed the role of general manager of legal, integrity, and compliance in 2013 prior to assuming responsibility for game development in 2017.

In July 2021, he was promoted to executive general manager of football operations.

Dillon has a significant football background, having played in 290 games for the Old Xavierians Football Club of the VAFA.

He is a Life Member and was a part of six premierships from 1989 to 2005.

Laura Kane will replace Dillon as general manager of competition management, while Stephen Meade will serve as the AFL’s general counsel.

Monday morning at 10:15 a.m., an announcement will be made.