A football figure could join the AFL Commission as soon as the coming days, with a former Giant the likely pick as it stands.
Michelangelo Rucci provided an update on the league’s process on SEN SA’s The Run Home, stating numerous candidates have been interviewed in recent weeks.
The AFL Commission has not had a football figure since 2021, the year both Jason Ball and Kim Williams departed the league’s board.
It’s understood the AFL is in a position to elevate a new Commissioner with Andrew Dillon’s appointment as CEO-elect earlier this year.
Leigh Matthews recently pulled out of the process after becoming disenchanted with the league’s methods, while Matt De Boer is another name to be floated.
“We need to have a football person on the AFL Commission,” Rucci began.
“There have been four candidates interviewed right in Gillon McLachlan’s house actually in recent days and weeks.
“There was a South Australian contender, don’t push me on who it is because there’s a bit of confidentiality on this, but a former player in this town. He will not be on the Commission.”
He added: “We heard Caroline Wilson float Matt De Boer… I’m hearing it’s not Matt De Boer, it’s actually Phil Davis.
“We could get an answer this week.”
Davis announced his retirement from the top level in August after managing 192 AFL games. He captained the GWS Giants from 2012-2019 and is highly regarded in the game for his efforts at the expansion club.
The 33-year-old has also spent time in the media throughout his playing career and would be facing offers to continue that from 2024.
He also played alongside De Boer for six years before the former Docker retired in 2022.
Patrick Dangerfield was reported to be a target of the AFL Commission as well, but the Geelong captain has stated he wouldn’t take up a potential role while in his playing days.