Gillon McLachlan says he “wasn’t surprised” by Andrew Thorburn’s decision that saw him choose to remain as chair of his church and depart the Essendon Football club.
The AFL CEO fronted the media on Thursday afternoon to provide an update following earlier confirmation of the four-person panel to investigate racism claims at Hawthorn. He also fielded questions on Thorburn, who was Essendon’s chief executive for just a day before it was exposed he is the chairman of a controversial church that has sermons condemning homosexuality and abortion on its website.
Thorburn told SEN Breakfast on Tuesday the church’s views weren’t necessarily his, but his position became untenable and was required to choose the Dons or his role at City on a Hill, ultimately siding with the latter.
McLachlan said he considers Thorburn a friend – the two worked together when Thorburn was CEO at NAB – and wasn’t surprised by his decision.
“I’ve spoken to Andrew. He is – in my experience – a first-class person. I’ve spoken to Andrew, he's a first class person, I regard him as a friend, and he’s got great values,” McLachlan told reporters.
“I’m really clear that everyone is entitled to their beliefs and their religious beliefs. But at times those beliefs can intersect the values and culture of entities, and when you’ve been asked to lead one that seems to be at odds with the beliefs of another entity you’re chairing, I think Andrew had to make a decision.
“And to be honest with you, that he went with his faith doesn’t surprise me because he's a person of great conviction.
“In the end, I wasn’t surprised by the decision he made.”
It’s raised the issue of faith in the game. Thorburn released a statement shortly after he stepped down, with one line reading: “today it became clear to me that my personal Christian faith is not tolerated or permitted in the public square, at least by some and perhaps by many”.
Victorian opposition leader Matthew Guy told 3AW on Wednesday that Thorburn’s resignation set a bad precedent.
But McLachlan suggested Essendon’s position was understandable and every situation was different.
“I think the way that it played out, the organisation that he led and their position on some issues was seemingly at odds on with the position of the Essendon Football Club,” he added.
“I don’t think it’s the same in every situation, I think in this situation it seemed to be a conflict, I think in this situation it seemed to be a conflict and Andrew had to make a choice.
“That’s my read on that… I think we all understand it really.”
McLachlan, who announced his impending departure from AFL House earlier this year, also suggested he hasn’t finalised an official last day as CEO of the league.