AFL CEO Contenders

SUPERFOOTY

Following are the leading contenders to fill the position of AFL CEO when it becomes vacant at the end of September with the departure of Andrew Demetriou.
GILLON McLACHLAN Remains favourite to replace Demetriou and according to insiders retains the faith of the AFL Commission despite a year of hell for the AFL administration. At 40 also has youth on his side and it’s worth remembering Demetriou was 42 when he replaced Wayne Jackson in 2003.
ANDREW IRELAND Has a rare CV in that he has been CEO of two interstate clubs in Brisbane and Sydney that have won AFL Premierships, and being instrumental in the re-development of the Gabba in the early 1990s. Against him is his age, although isn’t 60 the new 50 in today’s world?
STEPHEN GOUGH Combines CEO experience at club level during his years as CEO of Carlton with a broader role as secretary of the Melbourne Cricket Club. Gough, 59, is extremely well respected as a tough but fair negotiator although friends doubt he is desirous of such a role.
BRIAN COOK Regarded as a miracle worker at Geelong after a successful tenure as CEO at the West Coast Eagles. Was overlooked in favour of Demetriou 10 years ago. Now 58 but is there anyone who doubts he could successfully run the AFL for the next five or six years?
TREVOR NISBETT The 56-year-old West Coast CEO has the football requirements covered given 15 successful years as CEO. But he may lack the wider business acumen. When Demetriou was appointed he defeated Perth-based Dr Neil Fong who came from a business background.
JEFF BROWNE Has a background in law before branching into the commercial world where he became CEO of Channel Nine. Sixty-year-old Browne knows the AFL backwards having worked as a player agent before becoming in the in-house lawyer for the AFL. More likely to be tempted by a role on the AFL Commission.
EDDIE MCGUIRE The former boy from ‘Broady’ ticks a lot of boxes. He knows footy and has commercial/broadcast experience with his time as CEO of Channel Nine. Has said he’d love to be president of the Pies until he’s old and grey. He may be reluctant to give up that post.