Gil McLachlan Stepping Down

[In Harmes Way 7,716]

I wonder if he wants to be the CEO of the new Tasmanian franchise and is positioning to counteract Peter Gutwein's resignation as Tasmanian premier.

[one_demon 826]

26 minutes ago, Sir Why You Little said:

So if a player steps BACK one step, that is a 50 Metre Penalty?

Yes

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,664]

1 minute ago, In Harmes Way said:

I wonder if he wants to be the CEO of the new Tasmanian franchise and is positioning to counteract Peter Gutwein's resignation as Tasmanian premier.

Jobs he has previously been linked with (meaning there's been unsubstantiated speculation) include CEO of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games organising committee and CEO of Crown. Given today's announcement of the Commonwealth Games being held in Victoria in 2026 I think it's inevitable that he'll be linked to the job of CEO of that organisation, too.

[Fork 'em 6,974]

27 minutes ago, whatwhat say what said:

 

• kylie watson-wheeler - currently in charge of disney in oztraya, as well as pres of footscray, would be a massive change

 

Disney ... Fork no.
The AFL is far too woke as it is.
Transgenders straight into the AFLW for eg.

 

Edited April 12, 2022 by Fork 'em

[Sir Why You Little 36,737]

9 minutes ago, one_demon said:

Yes

But that is not encroaching the mark. It is ridiculous 

[old dee 23,528]

1 hour ago, rjay said:

I hope the replacement is not someone from within AFL house.

It's been inbred for too long now.

Gale would be the obvious replacement from outside.

He's ruffled a few feathers at HQ and that might be a good thing.

It is well and truely time to have someone who is not one of the " old boys" but I have very little confidence it will happen. 

[FlashInThePan 1,893]

2 minutes ago, old dee said:

It is well and truely time to have someone who is not one of the " old boys" but I have very little confidence it will happen. 

This

I just want a change. I am sick to death of the old boys club 'nothing to see here' attitude around so many important issues that border on football. Pretend stances on racism, sexism, gambling, concussion and mental health while doing nothing practical to change things. I don't like the fact that my young son is more familiar with the gambling odds for a game than the players or the ground. AFL is never going to change the world but it can improve things in many small practical ways. Sorry Fork'em, if I'm sounding super woke today but hey, there you go.

[old dee 23,528]

Just now, FlashInThePan said:

This

I just want a change. I am sick to death of the old boys club 'nothing to see here' attitude around so many important issues that border on football. Pretend stances on racism, sexism, gambling, concussion and mental health while doing nothing practical to change things. I don't like the fact that my young son is more familiar with the gambling odds for a game than the players or the ground. AFL is never going to change the world but it can improve things in many small practical ways. Sorry Fork'em, if I'm sounding super woke today but hey, there you go.

You have my vote.

[The heart beats true 17,912]

24 minutes ago, whatwhat say what said:

three favourites to take over:

• travis auld - inside the tent, part of the boy's club, knows where the bodies are buried
• benny gale - ceo of the tigers, completely changed that club for the better; lost out to gil last time
• kylie watson-wheeler - currently in charge of disney in oztraya, as well as pres of footscray, would be a massive change

it's a vital appointment for the future of the competitions

Having done a bit of work with Disney over the years I’d suggest that it’s a very different role. While there are similarities with licensing and marketing that’s where it ends. Disney is renowned for the strictest orders coming down from global HQ, where as the AFL gig is a moving feast that plays out in the court of popular opinion on a daily basis. The Disney job is incredibly difficult, but it doesn’t have the same level of exposure, and the diversity of stakeholders.

It also depends on how the AFL perceive the job role. Is it about growth in talent, or growth in market? Kylie would most definitely have her finger on the pulse of kids, and bring some new ideas to getting them engaged (both as participants and viewers) - which most of us will probably hate.

I’d be backing the bloke on the inside all the way. The AFL probably perceive it as best for their internal culture too - everyone steps up etc.

[Diamond_Jim 12,390]

I think it's time to take game development away from the AFL and place it in the hands of a separately funded authority.

How you fund it would be the argument but perhaps a 5% turnover tax on the AFL matched by a 5% charge pro rated to  the relevant States and 5% from the Feds.

AFL is now clearly a media driven entertainment business

Gil has overseen the near demise of country football along with limited youth development. Numbers are skewed by Auskick and the uptake by young girls. Other than at AFL level the game is slowly dying

Edited April 12, 2022 by Diamond_Jim

[deegirl 1,507]

Heard Gillon is retiring to spend more time with his polo ponies 😁

[Megatron 886]

1 hour ago, Sir Why You Little said:

So if a player steps BACK one step, that is a 50 Metre Penalty?

it is a disgraceful rule…but they can never admit they are ever wrong

We won a flag when the rule first came in, so I don’t dislike him. 

[Supreme_Demon 3,456]

I am not too fussed as to who the new AFL CEO will be.

Gillon McLachlan has done a reasonable job overall. Especially with keeping the AFL going during the last 2 years of COVID-19 interruptions.

However, my tip is either Travis Auld or Brendan Gale.

Eddie McGuire will probably attempt to throw his hat in the ring but he will be no chance.

Anyway, who ever becomes the next AFL CEO needs to definitely put tens of millions into grassroots junior football. We simply do not have enough young boys playing Aussie Rules Football. We also are absolutely desperate for more volunteers as others have mentioned.

Personally, I would also like to expand the VFL back to being just Victorian clubs and increase it to 18 teams. The current VFL with NSW and QLD teams (e.g Southport Sharks) is just weird and probably costing smaller clubs far too much in travel expenses.

I would also love to bring back the VFA and all the old teams like the Camberwell Cobras, Oakleigh Devils, Yarraville Eagles, Brighton Penguins, Northcote Dragons, Waverley Panthers etc. But sadly that is more a pipe dream.

Nevertheless, investment into grassroots football and junior football in Victoria is crucial for the AFL to flourish.

Edited April 12, 2022 by Supreme_Demon

[Brownie 5,921]

33 minutes ago, FlashInThePan said:

This

I just want a change. I am sick to death of the old boys club 'nothing to see here' attitude around so many important issues that border on football. Pretend stances on racism, sexism, gambling, concussion and mental health while doing nothing practical to change things. I don't like the fact that my young son is more familiar with the gambling odds for a game than the players or the ground. AFL is never going to change the world but it can improve things in many small practical ways. Sorry Fork'em, if I'm sounding super woke today but hey, there you go.

Scomo could be free soon. (Joking)

[hemingway 7,615]

1 hour ago, drdrake said:

Walk past any primary school playground at lunch, basketball courts will be full, soccer balls will be out, you will be lucky to see a football.  AFL clubs once visited schools to run clinics, that turned into a marketing call to increase club membership rather than get players into the game.  Getting the kids to play is hard to find a half decent coach is even harder. 

My son goes to a high school that prides itself on sport and AFL Catholic school, 180 boys in his grade, 11 tried out for AFL, 50 for Basketball, 35 for Soccer, I think he said that only about 8-10 kids in his entire grade play AFL

This has been a problem for AFL for the past 30 years in the city and suburbs. When my boys went to school back in the 90s and early to mid 2000s most kids passed on footy.  Very few Asian kids or their parents wanted their boys to play footy due to its physicality and injury risk. Also playing sport was not part of their culture. They were at school to do well academically. In addition, there were many parents with an Aussie/Anglo heritage that were concerned about injury. This view was confirmed by many of the bigger boys mimicking the physicality and behaviour of AFL, together with very poor umpiring in which umpires took no action against kids being hammered by aggressive and bigger opponents.

Footy training was hindered by the small numbers. Many kids did not want to attend training on cold wet nights particularly when their mates were playing other sports. 

Hence the majority of kids played soccer and basketball.  And they followed teams in Europe and USA. 

And Sat morning Auskick was hampered by small attendance and the thing being run by a few Dads who were well meaning but not exactly inspirational. 

In the country there is greater grass roots footy but again many boys play basketball. And as we know, junior and senior clubs are struggling and many have gone by the wayside, merged or struggle to survive from year to year. 

Whilst TV ratings may be healthy the condition of the body is distinctly unhealthy and participation is haemorrhaging. The long-term future of the game is limited. 

The AFL must spend its money at the junior development levels but at the same time spend money in the suburban and country regions. There is not much point playing footy if there are no teams to join. 

 

[dworship 3,342]

16 minutes ago, Brownie said:

Scomo could be free soon. (Joking)

More suited to the "Head of Marketing" role

[IvanBartul13 2,564]

It seems a lot are giving credit to Gil for having the AFL continue to run during Covid, but which other major world sporting leagues didnt complete their season?  Sure its a good effort but hardly unique.  What he has presided over is laughable list management rules that have been rorted and loopholed, a completely ludicrous tribunal system, incongruent officiating, two-faced approached to gambling, horrific matchday pricing and crowd decline.  I dont see many positives and if you deep dive into some of these issues, the league is actually a comedy ****show.

Edited April 12, 2022 by IvanBartul13

[Mr Steve 3,820]

Realises he can't stop the Melbourne juggernaut so he's getting out. 

[MT64 1,144]

2 hours ago, Sir Why You Little said:

Gill will be remembered for continuous horrendous MRO Decisions and the ridiculous STAND rule

Grass Roots Football is almost dead

But the AFL won’t mention any of the above

I still cannot stand the AFL in how they handled the "drugs saga". Gill and the AFL just so protected Essendon from the correct penalty. Friends and family tell me to get over it but still leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

[Sir Why You Little 36,737]

10 minutes ago, IvanBartul13 said:

It seems a lot are giving credit to Gil for having the AFL continue to run during Covid, but which other major world sporting leagues didnt complete their season?  Sure its a good effort but hardly unique.  What he has presided over is laughable list management rules that have been rorted and loopholed, a completely ludicrous tribunal system, incongruent officiating, two-faced approached to gambling, horrific matchday pricing and crowd decline.  I dont see many positives and if you deep dive into some of these issues, the league is actually a comedy ****show.

Deep dive is the crux isn’t it

[old dee 23,528]

44 minutes ago, hemingway said:

This has been a problem for AFL for the past 30 years in the city and suburbs. When my boys went to school back in the 90s and early to mid 2000s most kids passed on footy.  Very few Asian kids or their parents wanted their boys to play footy due to its physicality and injury risk. Also playing sport was not part of their culture. They were at school to do well academically. In addition, there were many parents with an Aussie/Anglo heritage that were concerned about injury. This view was confirmed by many of the bigger boys mimicking the physicality and behaviour of AFL, together with very poor umpiring in which umpires took no action against kids being hammered by aggressive and bigger opponents.

Footy training was hindered by the small numbers. Many kids did not want to attend training on cold wet nights particularly when their mates were playing other sports. 

Hence the majority of kids played soccer and basketball.  And they followed teams in Europe and USA. 

And Sat morning Auskick was hampered by small attendance and the thing being run by a few Dads who were well meaning but not exactly inspirational. 

In the country there is greater grass roots footy but again many boys play basketball. And as we know, junior and senior clubs are struggling and many have gone by the wayside, merged or struggle to survive from year to year. 

Whilst TV ratings may be healthy the condition of the body is distinctly unhealthy and participation is haemorrhaging. The long-term future of the game is limited. 

The AFL must spend its money at the junior development levels but at the same time spend money in the suburban and country regions. There is not much point playing footy if there are no teams to join. 

 

Spot on Ernest, more power to you.

[hemingway 7,615]

I really don’t know if Gill has done a good job or bad job or a mediocre job. 

I guess the truth lies somewhere in the middle. 

What we do know is that the industry will paint his time in a favourable light particularly in terms of revenue streams and Covid management. He has managed to keep most of the key stakeholders onside. No mean feat. He is a good negotiator and has an ability to achieve acceptable outcomes. And sometimes doing a good job is measured by what you don’t see or hear rather than what you do. 

I tell you what I don’t like about his tenure. 

The AFL jumping into bed with the gambling industry. They have sold their soul and changed the nature of footy. The long term ramifications and corruption that comes with gambling will be felt for years to come. 

I also don’t like the constant rule changes and interpretations that frustrate fans, coaches and players. I don’t like rule changes that are simply designed to increase the speed of the game, the scoring rate and the attractiveness of the fame. Often the changes do not bring about the change desired. Most of the time I hear myself saying over and over in my head, just leave the bloody game alone. It is such a great game that you don’t need to do to much to improve it. 

I don’t like the fact that footy Tv ratings dictate the fixture. I hate weeknight games and the fact that it discriminates against families, working men and women, school age kids. In fact everyone that likes to attend live footy matches. 

Whilst recognising that umpires need the support of the AFL, I hate the way umpires have become centre stage actors in the drama of the game. 

Thats enough for now. This could go on for ever!

 

 

 

 

[DubDee 24,703]

1 hour ago, deegirl said:

Heard Gillon is retiring to spend more time with his polo ponies 😁

The au pair smuggling business is quite lucrative 

[whatwhat say what 22,309]

1 hour ago, The heart beats true said:

Having done a bit of work with Disney over the years I’d suggest that it’s a very different role. While there are similarities with licensing and marketing that’s where it ends. Disney is renowned for the strictest orders coming down from global HQ, where as the AFL gig is a moving feast that plays out in the court of popular opinion on a daily basis. The Disney job is incredibly difficult, but it doesn’t have the same level of exposure, and the diversity of stakeholders.

It also depends on how the AFL perceive the job role. Is it about growth in talent, or growth in market? Kylie would most definitely have her finger on the pulse of kids, and bring some new ideas to getting them engaged (both as participants and viewers) - which most of us will probably hate.

I’d be backing the bloke on the inside all the way. The AFL probably perceive it as best for their internal culture too - everyone steps up etc.

spot on - the fact that gil wants to have 'a role' in selecting his replacement says a lot

as seen with the appointment of sarah wyse (who has just left) as head of afl media, they are desperate down in docklands to become more than just 'football' despite it being, of course, what their focus should be on

it would be a major step down for her in prestige and wage, and that she'd be super reluctant to give up the footscray presidency, plus all of a sudden she'd have to have a very public profile

also, to whomsoever upthread said that someone from disney would make afl 'more woke' or whatever nonsense that was, you clearly don't know much about disney!

 

 

[Demon Disciple 11,803]

2 hours ago, Sir Why You Little said:

So if a player steps BACK one step, that is a 50 Metre Penalty?

it is a disgraceful rule…but they can never admit they are ever wrong

Agree it is the worst rule to be implemented in many a year. Farcical and a blight on the game.