Fitzpatrick's 10 years as AFL chairman

MAJOR ISSUES DURING MIKE FITZPATRICK'S TIME IN CHARGE OF THE AFL

2007 - West Coast's substance abuse dominates the AFL agenda following their flag win. Ben Cousins is later banned for 12 months. North Melbourne's relocation to the Gold Coast fails.

2008 - The AFL wins support from all 16 clubs to set up two new expansion teams on the Gold Coast and in Western Sydney.

2009 - Melbourne's quest for a priority pick leads to long-running 'taking' investigation. The AFL hands down a $500,000 fine in 2013.

2010 - The drawn Grand Final brings calls for the AFL to introduce extra time in the decider. The Commission adopts the measure six years later.

2011 - The AFL signs a record five-year $1.25b broadcast rights deal. Senior players are embroiled in the so-call ' St Kilda schoolgirl scandal'. The sub rule is introduced.

2012 - Greater Western Sydney enters the AFL a year after the Gold Coast Suns. The AFL introduces free agency.

2013 - An Australian Crime Commission report sparks a long-running AFL/ASADA investigation into a club-sanctioned doping regime at Essendon. New Zealand hosts the first overseas home-and-away match.

2014 - The AFL Commission introduces equalisation measures - including a soft cap on football spending - and scraps Sydney's cost of living allowance. Andrew Demetriou is replaced as chief executive by Gillon McLachlan.

2015 - The AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal decides against banning the 34 past and present Essendon players. The AFL match review panel is overhauled and the sub is scrapped.

2016 - The Court of Arbitration for Sport overturns that decision, handing down 12-month bans for all players involved.

2017 - AFL Women's competition is launched to significant fanfare. Fitzpatrick resigns a day out from the start of the AFL pre-season competition.