Andrew Johnston appointed EDFL chief executive

The EDFL has appointed its new league boss just weeks out from the start of the 2023 season. Here’s why he stood out.

The Essendon District Football League has its new boss.

Former Calder Cannons coach Andrew Johnston has been appointed as the league’s new chief executive ahead of the 2023 season.

Johnston replaces Ian Kyte who departed the competition late last year.

“Andrew arrives at Windy Hill with a wealth of knowledge and experience in football, while most recently leading a national sporting organisation,” the league said in a statement.

“After spending nearly a decade at AFL Victoria, Andrew was instrumental in the establishment of the inaugural Gold Coast Suns Academy during the early iterations of the club’s history, before assuming the Head Coach position at the Calder Cannons where he saw eight EDFL juniors get drafted in to AFL senior ranks.

“In between, Andrew has spent time in various coaching and mentorship roles within football, including in the EDFL.”

Andrew Johnston is stepping into the top job at the EDFL. Picture: Andy Brownbill.

League chairman Bernie Sinners said Johnston had several impressive characteristics.

“We’d like to warmly welcome Andrew back to the EDFL who not only brings strong ties back into the league, but a vast array of experience,” he said.

“Andrew was the preferred candidate from a strong list of applicants, and in conjunction with our clubs and major partners, the EDFL has an exciting future that we believe Andrew, in this leadership role, will greatly contribute to the league.”

Johnston will officially start on February 28 just weeks out from the start of the new season.

It has been a big few days for the EDFL after it announced Jacana had withdrawn from the Division 2 competition for this season on Friday.