Former AFL chief Andrew Demetriou is a strong family man

UNDER the ferociously tough exterior of the former AFL chief is a strong family man, writes Mark Robinson.

UNDER the ferociously tough exterior is a strong family man.

When Andrew Demetriou was appointed chief executive in July, 2003, his mum and dad, Tony and Chrysi, were holidaying in the home country of Cyprus.

Asked then about his son’s reputation as a brutal businessman, Tony told the Herald Sun: “Everyone get little angry, but he’s all right ... he’s got a good heart”.

Mum has passed, but Tony was beside his son yesterday, and his pride was evident. He scoffed at his son’s nickname — the dictator.

“No, never,’’ Tony said.

“I think he’s done a fantastic job. He’s done 11 years, he’s done good. He improved the game and everybody happy with him.’’

Well, not everyone, Tony.

“You can’t make everyone happy, you just to got to do your best,’’ he said.

Demetriou yesterday announced he would quit the AFL at the end of the season.

The timing of the announcement was surprising, but the fact he is leaving would surprise few.

The game is healthier, wealthier and wiser, though the Essendon supplement saga shook it to the core. In 11 years, Demetriou has shown himself to be a robust leader, self-assured to the point of arrogant, opinionated and staunch in the protection of the game.

In the past 12 monthshe has been Sheriff Demetriou,fighting the Crime Commission warnings about individuals infiltrating the game. He makes no apologies about stepping into players’ private lives, telling Richmond it should ban Jake King from having a friendship with former outlaw biker Toby Mitchell.

This sort of verbal aggression hasn’t always endeared him to clubs, and despite a breaking of bread with Essendon, that relationship needs further time to heal.

On the whole, Demetriou is regarded as an outstanding chief executive. Stadium deals, media rights and respect and responsibility matters are clear successes, and it must be noted that when he started there were 16 teams in the competition and there’s now 18.

Fears of clubs folding, once the nightmare of some fans, have dissipated.

Demetriou thanked a bevy of friends yesterday, noted some who passed — including his first wife Jan — and heaped love on his wife and four kids.

He spoke with the fondness of a loving husband and father, so much so that it appeared AFL Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick became ­emotional.

“Symone and my children are my sunshine, my light and my hope, and I love them with all my heart,” he said.

“Symone has been and continues to be an inspirational and gifted mother to our children, and to you, darling, thank you for your unconditional and wonderful support you’ve given me.I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

Tony Demetriou was quiet yesterday. He nodded his head when he was acknowledged by his son in the speech, and seemed to be dragged along when the family posed for pictures. Then again, he didn’t have to say much. Not yesterday, not for the past 11 years.

“He didn’t need any advice,’’ Tony said, “I teach them when they were younger.’