’Outstanding’ Gillon McLachlan overwhelming favourite to win AFL’s top job

GILLON McLachlan could be named chief executive by mid-year after a landslide of support from many involved in AFL.

GILLON McLachlan could be named AFL chief executive by midyear after a landslide of support from clubs, AFL leaders and even rivals for the job yesterday.

McLachlan was endorsed by club chiefs Eddie McGuire and Peter Gordon after AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou announced he would walk away at season’s end.

Geelong’s Brian Cook and Sydney’s Andrew Ireland are the outstanding club figures in line for the AFL’s top job.

DEMETRIOU: I LEAVE THE GAME WITH NO REGRETS

The AFL has hired an executive recruitment firm to identify Demetriou’s successor. International candidates and people from outside football will be considered for the position that earned Demetriou $1.88 million in 2012.

News_Image_File: Gillon McLachlan and AFL media manager Patrick Keane look on as AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou announces his retirement. Picture: Scott BarbourAFL Commission boss Mike Fitzpatrick told AFL staffers at Demetriou’s final address yesterday that McLachlan was the outstanding internal candidate.

McLachlan, 40, knocked back the NRL chief executive position in September 2012 and was rewarded with promotion to deputy chief executive.

AFL TOP JOB: THE CONTENDERS

McGuire, who ruled himself out as a candidate yesterday, said of McLachlan: “We want the best candidate possible, but they would need to be pretty good to knock off Gillon McLachlan”.

Former Nine boss Jeff Browne did not officially rule himself out of the CEO role yesterday, but made clear his thoughts on McLachlan as Demetriou’s successor.

“I think first of all Andrew has done an outstanding job, and I think he has been very ably assisted by Gillon,” he told the Herald Sun.

News_Rich_Media: Herald Sun AFL journalist Jon Ralph shares his thoughts on who will succeed Andrew Demetriou as CEO of the AFL.MCC boss Stephen Gough confirmed last night he would not pursue the position, saying: “I am not a candidate”.

The one impediment McLachlan needs to overcome is an AFL Commission which has some of its members believing fresh faces and new ideas are needed to reinvigorate the AFL.

McLachlan has convinced many at club level that he can listen to their concerns, but must now show the Commission he has the leadership and vision for the next decade.

He has been handed the key responsibilities of the AFL’s equalisation policy and player union pay talks this year, another chance to prove his mettle to the Commission.

Other contenders would include current AFL Commission member and seek founder Paul Bassat, Richmond CEO Brendon Gale, and West Coast CEO Trevor Nisbett.

Dogs president Gordon said yesterday of McLachlan: “Obviously I have worked with Gillon McLachlan on the equalisation subcommittee and he’s obviously an outstanding executive who would do a good job of it,’’ he said.

“There are a number of other people around the industry who would be considered.

“I’m glad that Mike Fitzpatrick has set out a process for it that has made it clear for everyone because I think it is important that it not just go to automatic succession and there is a proper and independent search.”

News_Image_File: Andrew Demetriou paid tribute to Gillon McLachlan’s loyalty during his resignation speech. Geelong’s Cook was a leading contender when Demetriou was chosen a decade ago, and former president Frank Costa yesterday said he should still be considered.

“I hope like hell Cooky stays in Geelong until the complete rebuild of the stadium, but by the same token the AFL would be crazy not to consider him. He is a such a terrific operator and he understands the club side of it as well as the administrative part.”

Fitzpatrick said Demetriou would have no involvement in searching for his successor.

Demetriou said if McLachlan was chosen it would ensure a smooth transition.

“He is a fine person, he is an absolutely outstanding candidate. But it’s up to the Commission to identify my successor. If it’s Gil it will be an easier transition, if it’s not it will be a lengthier transition.”

McGuire said it would take “someone pretty spectacular” to beat McLachlan, but said of his own chances: “Why would I take the demotion from being president of Collingwood?”

Former Sydney president Richard Colless said Swans CEO Andrew Ireland was capable, but might be passed by in the AFL’s search.

“Andrew is a superstar. But I think he is pretty happy where he is. I would doubt that he would want to do it.”

With Scott Gullan