AFL appoints new boss

Andrew Dillon has been appointed chief executive of the AFL more than a year after outgoing chief executive Gillon McLachlan announced his resignation.

AFL chairman Richard Goyder confirmed the long-serving AFL executive will officially take over as chief executive from early October.

Mr McLachlan, who has been at the helm since 2014, will continue in the role for the remainder of the 2023 Premiership season.

Mr Dillon will oversee the league’s 18 clubs, including WA’s West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers.

After an extensive recruitment process, the chairman said Mr Dillon’s mix of leadership skills and knowledge made him the best candidate for the position.

“Andrew is a well-known and highly respected leader and has great support across the industry for his calm, considered and collaborative approach,” Mr Goyder said.

“We are really pleased to appoint Andrew to the chief executive role and know he will expertly guide the industry to a new era of growth and further build on the work Gill and the team has done over the past decade.”

Mr Dillon joined the AFL in 2000 as legal counsel and has served various roles throughout his 23-year tenure, including general counsel, head of game development and head of football operations.

He leaves his position as executive general manager of football operations, which he has held since 2021.

“It is important that we continue to strengthen every part of our game, from the 18 AFL clubs, who all now both have AFL and AFLW programs, right through to the grassroots,” Mr Dillon said.

“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.”