Former AFL chief's name thrown into the mix for next Commission chairman

1988 Brownlow Medalist Gerard Healy has thrown up Andrew Demetriou’s name in the mix to be the AFL Commission’s next chairman, with the man himself remaining non-committal to a potential application.

Demetriou was the league’s CEO from 2003 until he left in 2014 to be succeeded by Gillon McLachlan.

Gold Coast Suns and the Greater Western Sydney Giants both came into the AFL under his guidance, while he was also the first chief to take the competition international.

The current chairman of the AFL Commission, Richard Goyder, is closer to the end of his tenure than the beginning, having served since 2017.

When Goyder departs, Healy believes Demetriou – who doesn’t have a seat on the Commission as it stands – is firmly in the frame.

“Andrew Demetriou was one of the most influential CEOs in the AFL’s history and arguably the best,” Healy told SEN’s Sportsday.

“He’s now been out of the game since he stepped down in 2014 and his experience and capabilities is a big loss.

“Perhaps he’d consider a club presidency or an even higher office if the opportunity presented for him to continue his contribution to the game.

“Change is no doubt afoot at AFL Commission level and soon the Commission will be looking for a new chair. Without question, Andrew Demetriou’s name should be on the list of names to fill that position, even though it would be breaking new ground to see a CEO return as chairman.”

When that question was put to Demetriou, the now 63-year-old didn’t exactly rule out a play.

“I’ve never thought about it, to be honest. It’s a very prestigious and well respected and well regarded position in the game, everyone who has served in that role has been terrific and whoever they decide to appoint I’m sure will be a fantastic and significant appointment,” he said about becoming Commission chairman.

“But it’s not something I’ve ever thought about.

“It’s never crossed my mind… and I’ve never been asked about it.”

However, he did shut down a potential club presidency in the future.

“I’ve got no aspirations to be a club president. It’s a hell of a lot of time… I’ve got to take my hat off to club presidents. Unlike other competitions they do it on an honourary basis, they don’t get paid,” Demetriou added.

Demetriou maintains several business interests outside the AFL.

Goyder’s two predecessors, Mike Fitzpatrick and Ron Evans, both served as chairman for 10 years.

Andrew Ireland and Matt de Boer were elected as AFL Commissioner in early 2024 after being appointed the year before.