Farcical search for new AFL boss complete as Gillon McLachlan's replacement locked in
Andrew Dillon will replace Gillon McLachlan as chief executive of the AFL, Sam McClure reports.
Speaking on 3AW radio on Wednesday night, McClure reported that Dillon had beaten AFL chief financial officer Travis Auld to the position.
Dillon is the AFL's executive general manager of football operations.
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The appointment of Dillon to CEO 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.
Andrew Dillon has been locked in as Gillon McLachlan's replacement as AFL chief executive, reports Sam McClure. Getty Images
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 is expected to announce a $240 million injection 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.
Despite McClure's report, former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire believes a final decision on McLachlan's successor is yet to be made.
"The job is Andrew Dillon's but for one point ... and that is if they can get Gillon to stay on and keep Dillon at the same time," McGuire told Footy Classified on Wednesday night.
"The last couple of days, candidates who have also been in the frame for this position have been told nothing but to wait. There's no decision."
McGuire also forecast a "reshaping" of the AFL commission regardless of the replacement.
