‘Embarrassing’ hunt for new AFL boss finally over

Andrew Dillon will replace Gillon McLachlan as chief executive of the AFL.

Sam McClure broke the news on 3AW radio on Wednesday night, reporting that Dillon had beaten AFL chief financial officer Travis Auld to the position.

The appointment follows a messy search for McLachlan’s successor, with the AFL boss announcing his resignation in April last year and initially planning to step down at the end of the 2022 season.

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The outgoing CEO’s deadline was extended to the end of the calendar year, and then until Gather Round.

That date is now May 9, the date of the Federal Budget, after the league determined federal funding would be required to set up a 19th franchise in Tasmania. The Albanese government this week agreed to inject $240 million into the project.

The length of the search for McLachlan’s replacement has been heavily criticised.

Caroline Wilson called it “embarrassing” and “unprofessional” on a recent edition of Nine’s Footy Classified.

Western Bulldogs president and Disney executive Kylie Watson-Wheeler, and Richmond CEO Brendon Gale, are believed to be among those Dillon edged for the position.

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