Former premier John Olsen announced as Crows’ new chairman
Former premier John Olsen has been confirmed as the Adelaide Football Club’s chairman, ending Rob Chapman’s 11-year reign.
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- The appointment was predicted by The Advertiser’s Off The Record in September
The Adelaide Football Club has confirmed former premier John Olsen as the club’s new chairman.
Mr Olsen, who in July became the Liberal Party’s federal president, is an experienced football leader, having been chairman of the SANFL and SA Football Commission from 2010 until January.
Mr Olsen wasted no time in outlining his priorities as chairman, including relocating the club’s HQ and winning premierships.
His appointment as Crows chairman, which was predicted by The Advertiser’s Off the Record column last month, was understood to have been finalised yesterday.
His appointment ends Rob Chapman’s 11-year reign.
In a club statement, Mr Olsen described his appointment as a privilege.
“I would like to pay tribute to Rob for his tireless commitment over the past 12 years,” Olsen said.
“He has been a strong voice for the Adelaide Football Club on the local and national stage, and the Club owes him an enormous debt of gratitude.
“I feel honoured to have been asked to be the chair and to represent the best interests of the players, coaches, staff supporters and most importantly, the members and the club they love.
“My message to members is this: we are a proud club that expects success both on and off the field, and I am committed to making us stronger and look forward to the challenge.”
Outgoing chairman Rob Chapman said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Adelaide Football Club and my life is richer for having met and worked with the many wonderful people past and present.
“Footy clubs are about people and the Crows family is blessed to have so many caring, passionate, loyal and committed people who invest time, energy and money into making the club the best it can be.
“It has been a privilege to lead the board and I leave knowing there is a clear and considered plan, and we are well placed to emerge from the current pandemic and enjoy sustained success both on and off the field in the future.”
Mr Olsen, 75, is an SANFL and West Adelaide life member and was that club’s number one ticket holder for 17 years. He also is a former consul-general to Los Angeles and New York.
He was the Liberal premier from 1996-2001 and, until last month, was the Liberal state president.
Mr Chapman is one of the AFL’s longest-serving leaders and Mr Olsen is expected to serve for a shorter time in the unpaid role.
The club chairman leads the board, which includes former federal sport minister Kate Ellis and SA Police assistant commissioner Linda Fellows.
Originally published as Former premier John Olsen announced as Crows’ new chairman
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