AFL Power List: The 50 most influential figures in footy ranked

From the men and women behind the biggest TV deal in history to the agenda-setting analysts and those who just make things happen, these are footy’s media influencers.

AFL power top 50.

Who wields the power in footy? Fans await Match Review Officer Michael Christian’s findings after almost every game.

But is he powerful? Christian almost resigned last year when Laura Kane overruled his findings and ordered Brayden Maynard to front the tribunal.

It was the right decision by Kane, and it trumped Christian’s power. So it is hard to make a case for Christian.

Clearly, power is not equal across club land.

Presidents of smaller clubs tend to sit in silence at AFL Commission meetings.

Their clubs depend on financial handouts from the AFL and so they don’t want to upset city hall.

When the heavy hitters pipe up at those meetings, they sometimes receive text messages of support from those in charge of minnows who are afraid to open their mouths.

That’s power.

SA Premier Peter Malinauskas ranks #28 on the Power List, while AFL CEO Andrew Dillon sits on top. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Roy VanDerVegt

Last year Trevor Nisbett retired as one of footy’s most dominant CEOs. The likes of Andrew Ireland, Richard Colless and Greg Swann were among an influential crowd of about 300 to send Nisbett off at Subiaco Oval.

That’s power. Carlton is one of the biggest clubs but does not feature on the list of 50 names.

Many would argue CEO Brian Cook deserves a place. But ‘Cooky’ does not want to be too controversial or cause trouble these days, and that’s fair enough.

That’s OK. But there are other CEOs who throw their weight around. Michael Voss is a legend of the game and coaching the Blues.

But does Voss speak deeply about football like the Scott brothers?

Or can he command a shake-up like Ross Lyon at Moorabbin? Or has he softened the image of the game like Craig McRae?

One president suggested placing Gillon McLachlan on the list at No.50.

McLachlan didn’t make the final cut. But make no mistake, McLachlan’s phone is still ringing off the hook. And why wouldn’t it be? Who knows more about football than bloke who ran it for the past 12 years?

Gillon McLachlan didn’t make the top 50. Picture: Getty Images

Then again, some in the industry still consult McLachlan’s predecessor, Andrew Demetriou.

Martin Pakula also has influence. The former Victorian Sports Minister is a part-time consultant at AFL HQ. He arguably has more say than anyone in premier Jacinta Allan’s cabinet.

Let’s be honest, Allan isn’t changing too much in the heartland market.

The critical question clubs want answered is who will replace Richard Goyder? And when?

Craig Drummond might want a place on the soon-to-be-transformed commission. But presidents say he wouldn’t get the votes.

Presidents are crying out for change, and have been for some time. One said it was a “weak” peak governing body.

The AFL would argue it’s poor corporate governance to change the chairman and CEO around the same time.

Is the Dillon-Goyder pairing ideal? It appears Goyder intends to stick around for another two years.

“We need leadership on the commission. Dillon is a lower-key CEO, so we need a chairman with some personality and some presence. Nobody on the current commission can do that,” one president said.

Will change be militant or will it be conciliatory? The latter seems likely.

“The way in which the more influential club presidents will want to tackle it is to do it collaboratively with Richard,” one club said.

“And do it quietly and behind the scenes. It will be sensible, private discussions that get the right outcomes.

“That will win over the day.”

There’s no doubt the power balance is shifting. This is the 2024 AFL Power List.