Some surprised by McLachlan exit

AFL Commission chairman Richard Goyder admits Gillon McLachlan’s decision to step down as league CEO at year’s end surprised the competition’s hierarchy.

McLachlan announced last week that he will leave his post at the conclusion of 2022 after eight seasons in charge.

“It’d be correct to say that we’re not happy with that decision, but completely supportive of it,” Goyder said.

“Gil’s always said to me that he wanted to go at the top of his game at a time of his choosing and when the AFL was in as good a shape as it can be, and I think that’s fair play… and certainly fair for he and his family.

“He’s done an outstanding job.”

An emotional McLachlan felt the time was right to step away as AFL chief with the league in “great shape” for whoever takes the baton.

“I’m leaving now because it feels right,” McLachlan said.

“Right for the AFL, right for me, right for my family. The AFL is in great shape… it’s in incredible shape on whatever metric you assess it.

“Footy’s back pumping with a clear plan for continued growth and I feel good about that, I feel it’s the right time to close out the stuff we need to do this year.

“There’s relief… there’s everything, it’s clearly an emotional day because I’ve spent 20 years of my life here.

“But I feel very good about where the league is.

“It just feels the right time and I can’t be clearer than that and it’s probably the right time for the AFL I feel, Richard has a slightly different view, and obviously for me and my family.

“I feel very good that it will be handed over in good shape and whoever takes over the fort has got a good platform.”

Before McLachlan steps away as league boss, a new collective bargaining agreements for the women’s and men’s competitions is still to be finalised, plus deciding on Tasmania’s bid to enter the AFL.

A new broadcast deal will also be negotiated with the current rights expiring at the end of 2024.

– BY ALEX ZAIA/ SEN