‘For our playing group’: AFL must express its view, says CEO

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has explained why the league feels it should take a strong stance on the Voice to Parliament.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan says the league must take a stance on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament because it is a “community organisation”.

The outgoing boss defended the AFL’s right to have a position on the referendum campaign, saying it has to look out for its players, staff and club members and has a broader responsibility to society.

McLachlan’s comments come after former prime minister John Howard said sporting bodies should not involve themselves in “partisan political debates”.

“For a national or state body to take a position on the Voice is potentially divisive and disturbing to fans and followers,” Mr Howard told The Australian.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan says players, staff and club members deserve support from the league, which is why it will express a view on the Voice referendum. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

But speaking at the launch of the AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round, McLachlan said it would be “odd” if the league’s leadership did not express a view ahead of the referendum.

“I think it would be odd for a public organisation that is regarded as a community organisation, that actually has millions of members who come because they feel tribalism and connection, to not understand what the leadership stands for – I’m pretty unequivocal about that,” he said.

The AFL Commission is poised to announce the league’s position on the Voice on the weekend after meeting on Wednesday, with McLachlan saying people could “join the dots” on the timing of the announcement given the celebration of Indigenous footballers this weekend.

From left to right: Indigenous players Bobby Hill, Jarman Impey, Jayden Davey, Jesse Motlop, Maurice Rioli Jr, Brandan Parfitt and Bradley Hill at the launch of the AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“Let’s see what we actually do, but generally I think that we don’t seek to lecture, we don’t wade into every topic, but for those that are relevant … to our supporter base, and to our people who work for the AFL, the people who are members of clubs, people who come to our games, and our playing group, I think it’s important that leadership actually says this is what we stand for, this is what we think,” McLachlan said.

“I also just hope that we don’t get away from the celebration – our Indigenous athletes are such a special part of the game, and what they bring brings people to their feet.”

McLachlan reiterated his comments on Friday that he still thought all parties could come together for mediation as part of the Hawthorn racism investigation.

“There is a process that is playing out. I have said publicly it’s taken too long; I think everyone accepts that this needs to come to an end. I’m hopeful that through the mediation process that the parties will be able to come together,” he said.

“I know that there’s a lot of work going on behind the scenes; it’s not easy. I think that more broadly the public commentary generally makes it harder, that path to coming together.

“We want the parties to come together and work through this issue.”