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 30-21 below:
30. LANCE FRANKLIN
Sydney forward
Last year: 45
His 1000th goal created a frenzy and was the feel-good story of 2022. Still most responsible for bums on seats at the SCG. Can he end what will be a grand farewell season with one more flag?
29. ANTHONY ALBANESE
Prime Minister
Last year: -
The big ‘captain’s call’ on the planned Hobart stadium is his to make. The much hoped for 19th team in Tasmania might only come into existence if the Federal Government finds the final $240 million to finance the waterfront stadium the AFL believes is essential.
28. BRIAN WALSH
AFL General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Government and Communications
Last year: 21
Things have been much smoother on the communications front since he was convinced to return to the AFL for a second stint in 2019. Artfully shepherds McLachlan and co through stormy waters.
27. LEIGH MATTHEWS
AFL legend, Commentator
Last year: -
Still the most revered figure in the game. The AFL Commission badly needs his common-sense approach and plain talking. Don’t think, Lethal. Do!
26. CRAIG HUTCHISON
SEN chief executive
Last year: 22
His fingerprints remain all over the football media landscape with through AFL Nation match broadcasts, syndicated TV shows and the AFL Record. The ground-breaking SEN Stadium technology means no more transistor radios at the footy and his Sounding Board podcast is mandatory listening.
25. CAROLINE WILSON
Journalist, commentator
Last year: 25
Her daily journalism days are long gone, but she remains informed and influential and still breaks big stories for The Age, 3AW and Channel Nine. Her weekly columns are essential reading.
24. TONY SHEPHERD
Chairman, SCG Trust, GWS Giants
Last year: -
The Swans and the AFL have started to campaign for the Churchill and Brewongle Stands to be rebuilt at the SCG. If anyone can convince the state government to pay for a much-needed upgrade of AFL facilities (given there no votes for footy in New South Wales) it is Shepherd, a powerful Sydney business identity.
23. KANE CORNES
Broadcaster, commentator
Last year: 36
Adds The Age to a packed schedule that includes various SEN platforms, AFL.com.au and Channel Nine. Few in the game have more strident opinions, but he is well researched and never backs down from a point of view.
22. ALASTAIR CLARKSON
North Melbourne coach
Last year: 19
The four-time Hawk premiership coach returns to his former club to lift it out of the mire. With the stroke of a pen, he made the Kangaroos relevant again. Awaiting the Hawthorn cultural review to play itself out.
21. ANTHONY HUDSON
Broadcaster
Last year: 38
Footy’s best caller is taking his talents back to 3AW, where it all started 25 years ago, in a bid to tackle Triple M’s dominance. Will remain on Fox Footy as well.
2023 AFL MOVERS AND SHAPERS: 50-41
2023 AFL MOVERS AND SHAPERS: 40-31
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