By Peter Ryan
The long-running search for a new AFL chief executive will take another step forward when candidates are interviewed for the game’s top job next week, as clubs prepare for the first round of the season.
According to industry sources, internal AFL candidates Andrew Dillon, Travis Auld and Richmond CEO Brendon Gale remain in a process that has dragged on since the incumbent Gillon McLachlan announced in April last year he would leave the job he has held since 2014.
Contenders: Brendon Gale, Andrew Dillon and Travis Auld. Credit: The Age
It is unclear whether a left-field candidate remains in the race alongside that trio, who have been considered candidates since April. Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley and Giants CEO Dave Matthews have also been interviewed. The AFL confirmed on Monday that futher interviews would take place next week.
The league has continued to extend the tenure of McLachlan, who was originally slated to finish up at the end of 2022 before AFL chairman Richard Goyder confirmed the CEO would remain in the job until at least the end of April when Gather Round is held in Adelaide.
Goyder wrote a letter to clubs indicating an appointment would be made in the early stages of 2023 but that McLachlan needed to remain in the role while several big-ticket items remained on the agenda, including finalising a position on a 19th license for Tasmania, the player CBA and the AFL’s response to the Hawthorn racism allegations.
The AFL seems no closer to resolving these issues with the Tasmanian licence contingent on federal funding for a new stadium to be built in Hobart. Whether that funding is granted may have to wait until the May budget, while discussions on the CBA are ongoing.
The independent investigation into the Hawthorn racism allegations is taking time with former Hawthorn officials Alastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan and Jason Burt yet to make their submissions to the investigation. Sources close to the investigation have been frustrated at the slow rate of progress given the stress it has created for everyone involved.
The AFL has remained tight-lipped about the candidates, but is certain to face questions about the process when club CEOs and presidents gather for their annual pre-season catch-up this week.
Several club leaders have expressed their surprise at the time taken to replace McLachlan, with Collingwood president Jeff Browne saying last year he felt it was inappropriate for McLachlan and the AFL Commission to make crucial decisions on the game’s future when his departure was imminent and the Commission had two seats vacant.