That Watson-Wheeler and Gale,the two external candidates,were overlooked prompted questions about whether the AFL was a “boys’ club”,a suggestion Dillon strongly denied.
“You only have to look at the calibre of our executive team and the calibre of my football,integrity and legal team to say that there is no boys’ club here. We have got a talented,diverse workforce and everyone’s opinions are listened to and acted on. The more diverse the talent,the better the assistance you get. I don’t buy that one bit,” he said.
Andrew Dillon with his wife Amanda and three daughters Pippa,Lucy and Chloe.Credit:AFL Photos
“It’s really important,and I can’t stress it enough,that we are a game for everyone,” Dillon added.
“I believe strongly in the power of footy to connect people regardless of their background,gender or beliefs.”
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On the Hawthorn situation,Dillon said:“We’ve got an independent process in place and that’s playing out at the moment.
“It’s a complex issue and I feel for everyone who’s involved in it.
“What we’re going to do is work to get the best and the right outcome,but it’s an independent process,and we have to respect that.”
AFL chairman Richard Goyder defended the 12-month search to settle on an internal candidate and described Dillon as the “standout choice”.
“He brings a wealth of experience across the elite and community football fields. He has been involved in major broadcast deals,corporate partnership deals and developing the AFL’s response to some key social issues. He is a highly respected leader,” Goyder,also the Qantas chairman,said.
“The leadership question is the most important decision the commission makes,and it is vital that we get it right. We are confident in Andrew we have got the right person at the right time to take us forward and guide us into what we think is an exciting era ahead.”
Credit:Matt Golding
Dillon,a father of three,is a Richmond supporter,and spoke of his love of elite and community football.
“It’s a really humbling moment for me to be appointed the next CEO of the AFL. It’s imperative that we continue to strengthen every part of our game,from the 18 AFL clubs who have now got 18 AFL and AFLW teams,right through to community football,which is just so important to so many people,” he said.
The league confirmed that Laura Kane would act in the role of executive general manager,football. The AFL will go to market immediately for the role,with Kane expected to be among the candidates.
Goyder said the commission was also searching for a new commissioner with a playing background.
Dillon,a lawyer and former Old Xaverians footballer,joined the league as legal counsel in 2000 and was in charge of game development before being appointed to the high-powered role of executive general manager football operations,legal and integrity,in addition to his duties as general counsel.
McLachlan announced in April last year that he would finish up as CEO,but stayed on to manage several big issues including the completion of the league’s$4.5 billion,seven-year broadcast deal with Seven and Foxtel.