McLachlan’s parting gift as AFL CEO; McAvaney inducted into Australian Football Hall of Fame

Gillon McLachlan has promised to bring the joy back to footy and made no apology for the league’s progressive stance on social issues as he launched his final season as AFL chief executive.

Speaking one week before the 2023 season begins next Thursday night – the long-time league boss declared: “This is the season we want. And the season we need.”

McLachlan was unapologetic about the AFL’s choice to jump out of its lane by getting involved in wider societal issues.

Gillon McLachlan.Credit: Justin McManus

“We lead the community on social issues,” McLachlan said. “And those who yell at us to stick to football don’t understand who we are and what we mean in the community – we don’t lecture or tell others what to do.

“We simply say to everyone in this country that we represent you, or we aspire to. We make it known what we stand for, the AFL and our clubs.

“It’s why there will be more than 1.2 million club members this year, another record.”

‘Those who yell at us to stick to football don’t understand who we are and what we mean in the community – we don’t lecture or tell others what to do.’

Crucially, McLachlan reinforced the importance of Tasmania joining the national competition but on one condition – having a new stadium in the Apple Isle to match the situation in Adelaide, Perth and on the Gold Coast.

“To be truly national, and truly representative, Tasmania needs a team. And – with the support of the clubs and the commission – we need a stadium,” said McLachlan.

“Like in Adelaide. Like in Perth. Like on the Gold Coast, the stadium would not only transform football but transform the city. And the state.

“Because the deal – if we get there – will be good and because we can afford it and because as a code we make big decisions even if we know the execution is hard.

“We would not be who we are if we avoided the challenges.″⁣

McLachlan reiterated that the latest multi-year broadcast deal – announced last year – had left the league in a prime position for the next decade.

“Our strong balance sheet and new broadcast deal has set us up for a stellar decade, if we invest it the right way,” he said.

“As the revenue from the $4.5 billion TV deal kicks in, in the coming years, we have a growing war chest that we will use to expand the game geographically and demographically.”

Eye-catchingly, McLachlan wants to use 2023 to well and truly relegate the COVID-19 pandemic to the history books.

“This year it is exciting to work closely with our clubs to wipe away any and all references to COVID and concentrate on bringing fans back to our games. And bringing joy back to the game,” he said.

“In new ways as well – it’s a case of planes, trains and automobiles as the football world descends on Adelaide for the first-ever Gather Round [in round five]. There is much to be excited about.”

Legendary broadcaster Bruce McAvaney was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame at the season launch.

The announcement was made by AFL chairman Richard Goyder in front of invited guests at The Malthouse.

The 69-year-old McAvaney, who was made a life member of the AFL last year, started his journey towards becoming one of the game’s best callers in the early ’80s when he called the SANFL in South Australia.

Bruce McAvaney.Credit: Getty Images

He made his way to Channel 10 in Melbourne where he used his talent to call horse racing and athletics as well as read the news before he returned to Channel 7 to call Olympics and become the voice of the AFL.

Known for his accuracy, attention to detail and ability to capture the big moments in games, McAvaney is universally popular among players, coaches, fans and his media colleagues because of his generous demeanour and accuracy.

He was the voice of Friday night football, his enthusiasm for the game undiminished regardless of the contest. He also became renowned for being able to relay statistics about players and clubs throughout the broadcast. McAvaney also hosted the Brownlow Medal count from 1990.

Bruce McAvaney has been inducted to the Australian Football Hall of FameCredit: Getty

He had his favourite players to call, normally excitement machines such as Lance Franklin, Cyril Rioli, Wayne Carey, Matthew Richardson and Patrick Dangerfield. He stepped away from calling at the start of 2021 as he wound back his responsibilities.

McAvaney becomes the 11th person to enter the Australian Football Hall of Fame in the media category.