By Sam McClure
AFL chairman Richard Goyder phoned all 18 club presidents on Tuesday afternoon to tell them the league will not be appointing Gillon McLachlan’s successor as CEO this week.
The calls, which were confirmed by the AFL, has surprised clubs and AFL sponsors as the league descends on Adelaide for “Gather Round”.
As recently as several weeks ago, the AFL was on the record as saying it would work towards this weekend’s fifth round to decide who would be the new boss, although it should be noted the league has done its best to soften that language, leading some to believe that McLachlan will stay in charge for longer.
In a statement provided to The Scoop, the AFL said: “Chief executive Gillon McLachlan continues to work through a number of strategic priorities, as committed to with the AFL chairman, including a potential 19th licence in Tasmania and a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
“Currently there is a process running, led by the AFL Commission chairman, to appoint a new CEO of the AFL and when there is an update on the timeline for both the work undertaken and potential new appointment it will be communicated accordingly.”
Gillon McLachlan won’t vacate the AFL CEO seat prior to ‘Gather Round’.Credit: AFL Photos
Gather Round begins on Thursday night, when the Crows will host Carlton in front of a sold-out Adelaide Oval. But it’s the action away from the goal posts that has industry tongues wagging.
On Wednesday night, McLachlan and South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas will host what’s been described to The Scoop as an “intimate gala dinner” for 300 people at the famous Magill Estate winery. Magill is home to Penfolds, leading Australian wine producer.
The 36 club presidents and chief executives have all been invited, along with major sponsor representatives and key government stakeholders.
But while the reds will be flowing (a 407? A 707? Surely not Grange?), a select few will be taking it easy, so they’re in tip-top shape for their 10am meeting the next day.
At 10am on Thursday, at an undisclosed location, the AFL has confirmed it will present to its major sponsors. For the first time since COVID, the AFL is hosting a sponsors’ conference, where the CEOs of the AFL’s 25 highest-spending partners are being flown in to enjoy the festivities.
Representatives for premium partner Toyota, AAMI, Carlton Draught and Coles - just to name a few - will be there.
AFL chairman Richard Goyder.Credit: Louie Douvis
While it’s common practice for the big-money spenders to be brought along to major events, representatives of at least two of the major sponsors told The Scoop they expected the new CEO would be presenting.
The AFL clarified on Tuesday that it would be McLachlan making the presentation on Thursday morning. Too bad for the sponsors - they thought they were getting a scoop.
THE HILLS HAVE EYES
The AFL has confirmed it has booked out a boutique, five-star hotel nestled in the Adelaide Hills for its stay over Gather Round.
It would be unfair of us to name the hotel for privacy reasons. But what we can tell you is that the property only has 14 rooms and the cheapest will set you back more than $900 for one night. The manor has its own fine-dining restaurant and a day spa.
The autumn seven-course menu will set you back $259 a head, or $608 if you want to add in a premium wine pairing selected by the restaurant’s sommelier. When in Rome, right?
NUMBER TWO?
Whoever gets the CEO role - Andrew Dillon, Travis Auld and Brendon Gale are the favourites - a key AFL source who did not want to be publicly identified has told The Scoop the new leader will be able to pick a deputy.
It would mean the head of football role, currently occupied by Dillon, would be upgraded to the position of deputy chief executive – and potentially handed more responsibility, such as broadcast negotiations.
The Scoop revealed weeks ago that Auld has already been sounded out to replace Andrew Westacott as CEO of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation. So, if Dillon were to be made AFL chief, would he attempt to lure Gale over from Richmond to be his No.2?
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