Martin Pakula has joined the AFL after resigning as Victoria‘s sports minister

The AFL has recruited former Victorian sports minister Martin Pakula in a senior advisory role, reports DANIEL CHERNY.

Former Victorian sports minister Martin Pakula is now working with the AFL. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Former Dan Andrews government minister Martin Pakula has joined the AFL.

Pakula, 54, who stepped down ahead of the last state election will join the league in a one-day a week role working as a major projects advisor.

Pakula worked closely with the league during the Covid-19 plagued 2020-season in his role as minister for sports and major events. He also held the racing portfolio among others across 16 years in Victorian Parliament.

The ex-Labor man is also an ardent and outspoken Carlton supporter.

It’s understood Pakula will help the league on projects including the planned introduction of a 19th team in Tasmania, as well as assisting with the AFL’s plans for dealing with the impending Gabba redevelopment ahead of the 2032 Olympics, which is poised to sideline the Brisbane Lions from their home ground for up to four years.

Pakula will bring plenty of sports governance experience to the table for the AFL. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

QSAC, formerly known as ANZ Stadium and once the home of the Brisbane Broncos, is being considered as a makeshift home for the Lions during the Gabba’s unavailability.

Pursuant to the Victorian government code of conduct, Pakula will be precluded from working on any projects in which he was involved with in his former role for 18 months following his exit from the ministry.

Pakula will report to AFL executive general manager of finance, clubs and broadcast Travis Auld.

The appointment of Pakula comes as the AFL continues its protracted hunt to find a successor for outgoing chief executive Gillon McLachlan, whose departure has been pushed back until April.

Auld and Andrew Dillon have long been mooted as two major internal candidates to replace McLachlan.