By Andrew Wu
AFL Commission chairman Richard Goyder will step down from the top job in March after it became clear to him that there were suitable candidates waiting in the wings who could take over.
But doubts are growing over long-time favourite and former Collingwood boss Jeff Browne’s chances to succeed him.
Two industry sources familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, have confirmed to this masthead that Goyder will not be seeking another term and will be exiting after nine years at the helm.
Richard Goyder’s reign at the AFL is nearing an end.Credit: AFL Photos
Goyder reminded clubs on Friday afternoon that his successor would be chosen by the commission, not the nominations committee.
Browne has told those close to him he would not take part in the process if it went beyond the nominations committee, which includes club presidents and vets the candidates for commission chair.
Club presidents cannot choose the commission chairman, but they can veto a candidate.
Former Western Bulldogs president Peter Gordon is considered the leading contender to succeed Goyder if Browne withdraws from the race.
This masthead reported in July that Goyder told colleagues he wanted to continue as chairman to support CEO Andrew Dillon in the early years of his leadership and to allow his replacement to gain experience on the board.
Peter Gordon at the 2023 AFL grand final lunch.Credit: Jesse Marlow
A well-placed source with knowledge of the situation told this masthead that Goyder is leaving his post because it became apparent to him during the process that there are suitable candidates to succeed him. He would be running for a sixth term if he stood for re-election.
Browne did not rule himself out of leading the AFL Commission when contacted by this masthead in May.
“I love footy, I’m interested in footy, but I’m having a year off,” Browne said.
Gordon told this masthead in July he would be open to a role if sounded out.
“I’ve had a number of approaches from people about commission-related things in the past few months,” Gordon said.
Jeff Browne excelled as president of Collingwood. Is it time to chair the league?Credit: Getty Images
“But I’ve had no official approach, have made no application, and I’m not even aware there is a forthcoming commission vacancy.
“If they approached me, I’d consider it.”
The news of Goyder’s imminent departure comes amid widespread dissatisfaction among club leaders over the management of the competition by the AFL Commission and its executive team.
This masthead understands Goyder was unlikely to have been returned for another term as chairman should he have put himself up for re-election.
There is discontent over the league’s handling of the Izak Rankine saga, which after days of wrangling resulted in the Adelaide star being suspended for four games for a “highly offensive homophobic slur” when the previous player had been handed a five-match ban.
The AFL was also accused of hypocrisy for booking US rapper Snoop Dogg, whose songs contain misogynistic and homophobic lyrics.
Many club bosses are also unhappy with plans to change the bidding process around the acquisition of father-son prospects in the draft.
The AFL has overhauled its leadership team this year, appointing former Brisbane chief Greg Swann and outgoing Sydney chief Tom Harley in key roles to support Dillon.
Goyder is the chairman of Woodside Energy, the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and the Channel 7 Telethon Trust. He’s a former chairman of Qantas, and was the managing director and chief executive of Wesfarmers from 2005 to 2017.
Goyder has been contacted for comment.
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