Gillon McLachlan can’t put a timeline on when his tenure as AFL CEO will come to an end.
The league’s long-time boss announced his resignation a year ago this the week, but his final days have been pushed out with numerous issues still to sort out at the top level.
Clubs were reportedly informed late last year that McLachlan would remain on until Round 5 last year, but AFL chairman Richard Goyder is said to have informed clubs earlier this week that the date has been pushed back again.
Speaking to SEN’s Whateley, McLachlan was asked how many weeks he has left to lead the nation’s biggest sporting competition.
“I don’t know,” he responded.
“People always want a date. The process (to appoint my successor), I think you see in the media, is clearly coming to a head… I committed to my chairman to do some things, the Tasmania thing is there and I think you can see a horizon on that one way or another.
“Footy’s going really well, I’m as committed as ever… that stuff will all work out. After that, I don’t know.”
Tasmania and a 19th license for the Apple Isle remains the key issue for McLachlan, as well as the racism allegations at Hawthorn and the ongoing discussions relating to the collective bargaining agreements.
As it stands, Tasmania’s pitch for a team rests with the Federal Government funding the remaining amount for a proposed stadium, said to be around $240 million.
The Federal Labour Government’s position won’t be made clear until the May budget, a point in time McLachlan is set to stay until.
McLachlan believes he’s presented a strong case and used the example of Adelaide Oval to propose what a stadium in Macquarie point will do for Tasmania.
“We’ve done our bit, I believe it’s an incredibly strong case for Tasmania, it goes beyond sport in the stadium, it talks to urban renewal…” McLachlan added.
“No one wanted this stadium here (in Adelaide) and it changed the state… it’s had huge economic impact and frankly, it’s a source of pride.
“I know this stadium will do all of that for Tasmania. That’s our case, we’ve had a good hearing, fingers crossed and it’s an important few weeks.”
The AFL's Gather Round is set to be one of McLachlan's lasting gifts to the game, with the league already comitting to the concept next year.