MCC CEO Stuart Fox at top of AFL’s list to become league’s COO

The search for more leadership at the AFL is well and truly on, and one of the most powerful sports figures in Melbourne is right at the top of the wish list to stand beside Andrew Dillon.

Melbourne Cricket Club chief executive Stuart Fox is among a group of senior footy figures being targeted by the AFL to become Andrew Dillon’s new right-hand man.

The Herald Sun can reveal the AFL is on the hunt for a chief operating officer to assist Dillon and potentially succeed him as the AFL’s next chief executive.

Fox, who helped lead Hawthorn to three premierships in 2013-15, and recently secured the deal with the NFL to play at least one game at the MCG in 2026, is a top target.

Stuart Fox is being targeted by the AFL. Picture: David Crosling

But the AFL may have to look elsewhere as the MCC CEO has shown no signs of wanting to leave his job as the boss of the home of Australian sport.

Other leading candidates include Sydney Swans’ CEO Tom Harley and Fremantle chief Simon Garlick.

Former Richmond premiership boss Brendon Gale was earmarked for the 2IC role at AFL House before he took the job as Tasmania’s CEO last year.

Harley, who is also one of the most respected administrators in the game, was also considered for Dillon’s job when he replaced Gillon McLachlan.

The two-time Geelong premiership captain has run the Swans since 2019.

The AFL is keen to bolster its executive team after losing key employees Kylie Rogers, who has joined Victoria Racing Club, Travis Auld, who heads the Australian Grand Prix, and McLachlan.

Clubs have made clear they want Dillon to shore-up his administrative team and enhance ties with clubs.

Andrew Dillon took over as CEO in 2023. Picture: Hanna Lassen/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Former West Coast chief Trevor Nisbett is working as a consultant for the AFL and is heading a review into the relationship between the 18 clubs and head office.

Nisbett’s findings could shape the AFL’s next steps under Dillon’s reign ahead of the introduction of a 19th licence in Tasmania.

The league has also set up a taskforce, which included ex-Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley, to investigate the merit of a 20th team in Northern Territory.

The AFL is also locked in a battle with the AFL Players’ Association over the revamp of the illicit drugs code.

Tom Harley is in the mix. Picture: Linda Higginson

As is Freo boss Simon Garlick. Picture: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

Fox has strong ties with clubs and recently knocked back interest from multiple clubs including Melbourne for the two clubs’ CEO jobs.

His stadia expertise was also crucial in launching GMHBA Stadium’s first major infrastructure upgrades alongside Brian Cook.

But the MCC would be reluctant to lose Fox as the MCC is in talks to deliver major upgrades to the Shane Warne Stand and improve the traffic flow to Richmond and, in particular, Richmond railway station.

Former sports minister Martin Pakula has said the government had held talks with the MCC about major plans to modernise facilities and increase the MCG’s capacity.

Fox led Hawthorn from 2009 to 2016 before taking over the MCC in 2017.

Garlick has been in charge at the Dockers since 2019.

Originally published as MCC CEO Stuart Fox at top of AFL’s list to become league’s COO