AFL boss Gillon McLachlan among big names at The Million Dollar Lunch: See who else was there
Retiring AFL boss Gillon McLachlan - who has his $10m Prahran home on the market - has responded to questions about any plans to leave town at a major charity event.
Page 13
Don't miss out on the headlines from Page 13. Followed categories will be added to My News.
His mega Prahran home, with six bedrooms, swimming pool and tennis court, is on the market for $10 million — but is AFL boss Gillon McLachlan set to take the money and leave town?
McLachlan, who is stepping down from his role as AFL chief executive following the 2022 season, denied he’s fleeing Melbourne after selling the house.
“No, everyone is making decisions,” McLachlan said when quizzed about real estate matters.
Meanwhile, he’s not in reflective mode, or thinking about life after footy just yet.
“I’m thinking about it a little bit,” he said. “But we’re busy. We’ve got a lot to do with broadcast, Tasmania, AFLW, and finals. I’ve been focused on getting all that done, then I’m having a break, and I’ll think about it more.”
He added: “I’m excited. I love good football. We’ve got a sellout (on Friday night) in Brisbane, a sellout on Sunday, and the finals are going to be unbelievable.
“I’m looking forward to having a final series back at the MCG, and the footy getting back to (being watched) by hundreds of thousands of people.”
McLachlan said he’s “thrilled” Alastair Clarkson is taking the head coach job at North Melbourne.
“It’s great for the Kangaroos. It’s a back to the future story for Alastair. I know he’s going to do a great job. I think everyone across football feels good about Alastair being at North Melbourne.”
Also thrilled by Friday morning’s news was Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting.
The avid Roos man admitted to sending Clarkson a few cheeky texts.
“I had a few text conversations with him, and the last couple of days when things got a bit hairy I sent a couple of cheeky texts to him to make sure he wasn’t going anywhere else.
“The offer wouldn’t have been any better I don’t think (from Essendon).
“Hopefully (we can win a flag), keep our fingers crossed.
“He’s back home, back where it started and everything he’ll ask for he’ll get the first couple of years. There’ll be no pressure from the club, he’ll just do his own thing.”
The Million Dollar Lunch, attended by a host of big and generous names, raised a whopping $2,753,724 for the Children’s Cancer Foundation.
Key guests included Ann Peacock, Jeff Browne, Kate Langbroek, Chrissie Swan, Marc Murphy, Tottie Goldsmith and Heloise Pratt plus former and current politicians Martin Pakula, Michael O’Brien and Greg Hunt.
He had no comment about his secret sidekick from the Health Department — Minister For Everything, Scott Morrison, but former Federal Health Minister Hunt says he’s enjoying life after politics.
“At the moment, it’s family, and it’s fitness,” Mr Hunt said. “I’m on a six month sabbatical, but to be able to support an event such as (the Million Dollar Lunch) is a privilege. It’s about supporting children who are facing the hardest journey, along with their families.”
Stripped-back Nadia set to wow Melbourne commuters in lingerie ads
Nadia Bartel says she’s embracing body positivity and a new-found confidence as she strips off in a sizzling new lingerie campaign.
Why Ginnivan says he’s simply a down-to-earth bloke
Every move he makes on and off the field becomes a headline, but Jack Ginnivan says he’s just a down-to-earth bloke who is ready to put his feet up after footy season.