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 40-31 below:
40. PETER JESS
Concussion advocate
Last year: -
By most assessments, the AFL is playing catch-up footy when it comes to dealing with concussions and its bastard child CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy). Jess is a polarising figure but he argues passionately for those with lingering health concerns and keeps the issue at the forefront.
39. CRAIG STARCEVICH
Brisbane AFLW coach
Last year: -
The Lions didn’t quite get the choccies last season, but Starcevich has created a program that is the best in women’s footy, which is quite the achievement given the distance from footy’s heartland.
38. PAUL BASSAT
AFL Commissioner
Last year: 47
The second-longest serving AFL commissioner and an important sounding board for both Gillon McLachlan and Richard Goyder. Also the AFL’s eyes and ears in the emerging tech and venture capital spaces.
37. TANYA HOSCH
AFL Executive General Manager, Inclusion and Social Policy
Last year: 37
Footy doesn’t get behind every social cause – despite appearances to the contrary – but the AFL aims to be a leader in corporate citizenship and a driver of social change and it starts with Hosch.
36. CAL TWOMEY
Journalist
Last year: 49
Absolutely owns draft coverage and his annual predictions on AFL.com.au are unerringly accurate. Also broke the Jason Horne-Francis and Brett Ratten stories last year. At the top of his game.
35. SIMON GARLICK
Fremantle CEO
Last year: -
For the time being, The Dockers are the big dogs of WA footy. Garlick has made a huge impression in his second time in charge of a club. Might be back at the AFL before too long.
34. ANDREW MACKIE
Geelong list manager
Last year: -
The Cats won the flag and then the trade period that followed. They swung for the fences and successfully landed Ollie Henry, Tanner Bruhn, Jack Bowes and the seventh selection overall. He has set the club up for another decade of success.
33. TOM HARLEY
Sydney Swans chief executive
Last year: -
Setting aside the Grand Final result, has the set the Swans up for years of success, on and off the field. Won’t be the next AFL boss but might well be the one after.
32. PETER MALINAUSKAS
South Australian premier
Last year: -
Footy nut who convinced the AFL to bring the newly-minted Gather Round to Adelaide next month rather than to Sydney for which the idea was conceived. It should be quite the four-day party.
31. GREG SWANN
Brisbane Lions CEO
Last year: -
Has overseen a masterful transformation of the Lions, whose new digs at Springfield are the equal of any in the AFL. Next up, finding a suitable temporary home ground while the Gabba is rebuilt for the 2032 Olympics.
2023 AFL MOVERS AND SHAPERS: 50-41
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