The original and pre-eminent footy power list is back again in 2023!
Movers and Shapers highlights the 50 most powerful people in the AFL.
The AFL Record’s senior writer Ash Browne has compiled his power rankings list starting at 50 and counting down to 1.
See 50-41 below:
50. MARK ROBINSON
Herald Sun chief football writer, AFL 360 host
Last year: -
One of the footy media’s better story tellers and one half of the AFL 360 team. Bounced back from a major health scare and telling his story prompted waves of middle-aged men to start taking better care of themselves. That’s influence.
49. SWAMP *
Stats guru
Last year: 48
Continues to astound with his depth of knowledge and no social media question is too difficult. The AFL has moved smartly to bring him into the tent as it beefs up its historical research. *Not his real name.
48. MONIQUE CONTI
Richmond AFLW player
Last year: -
The 2022 AFLPA MVP is at the top of her game and able to singlehandedly turn games in the direction of the surging Tigers. Basketball’s loss is footy’s gain.
47. MARTIN PAKULA
AFL Major projects consultant
Last year: 9
The former Victorian government sports and major projects minister is now part-time with the AFL and on his agenda, a temporary home ground for the Lions and the new Tassie stadium. Sadly, no more tweeting about his beloved Blues.
46. PATRICK CRIPPS
Carlton captain, Brownlow medallist
Last year: -
His blazing 28.1 disposal, 15.3 contested possessions and 7.7 clearances were enough to land earn him 29 votes and his club’s sixth Brownlow Medal in 2022. Admirably carries the weight of expectations of the AFL’s sleeping giant on his broad shoulders.
45. COLIN YOUNG
Player manager
Last year: -
Flamboyant operator who manages several of the big name West Australians and seems to be front and centre of big deals that go down to the wire every year. Looks after Tim English. One to watch.
44. COLIN CARTER
Revisionist thinker
Last year: -
The former AFL commissioner and Geelong president is headlining a push to rethink football history, and in particular, for premierships won in Victoria between 1870 and 1896 to count in official standings.
43. WALTER LEE
AFL Executive General Manager, Strategy
Last year: 26
Not many sports have as many resources and financial muscle as the AFL and one way it exercises this is through rigorous planning for the future and strategic deep dives. Lee is highly-rated by the AFL and clubs.
42. RUSSELL JACKSON
ABC journalist
Last year: -
Few more impactful bylines in footy. Turned Grand Final week on its head with his explosive allegations about past cultural issues at Hawthorn. Reports without fear or favour.
41. CRAIG McRAE
Collingwood coach Last year: -
In his first year as coach, he took the Pies on a hair-raising ride that ended one point shy of the Grand Final. He made Collingwood fun to watch and dare it be said, likeable.
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