Matthew Lloyd 'dearly disappointed' in AFL as Leigh Matthews walks away from Commission race
Essendon great Matthew Lloyd has criticised the AFL's treatment of legend Leigh Matthews, who after months of waiting, has withdrawn from the selection process for a seat on the league's Commission.
It has been reported that Matthews was first approached for a spot on the commission 18 months ago but publicly voiced his interest for the first time in April.
However, after growing disenchanted with the drawn-out process, Matthews has since pulled out of the race.
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Matthew Lloyd was less than impressed with the AFL stringing along league legend Leigh Matthews. Nine
"I'm dearly disappointed," Lloyd told Nine's Footy Classified on Monday night.
"When (Matthews) talks football topics and the game, I've hung off the edge [of my seat] or walked away saying, 'Geez, what a great opinion that was, what a great thought that was on the game'.
"Yet, he was willing to give away all his media roles, I heard him say it earlier in the year, to be an AFL Commissioner and yet they sit on their hands, make one phone call, don't ring him back.
"It's a massive lost opportunity."
Brisbane's Kai Lohmann of the Lions speaks to Leigh Matthews before his debut. Getty
The AFL Commission has two vacancies to fill following the departures of Jason Ball and Kim Williams in 2021.
Earlier this year, the AFL told candidates that it would not elevate any new Commissioners until a replacement was appointed for outgoing CEO Gillon McLachlan.
Andrew Dillon was announced as the CEO-elect in May.
Leading AFL journalist Caroline Wilson also labelled the process "disrespectful" and scolded the AFL for continually letting hugely-admired football figures slip through their fingers.
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"Now, Leigh Matthews, Brendon Gale, (and) Tom Harley have knocked back the AFL. Brad Scott was potentially going to the top football job [but] went back to coaching. Steve Hocking had the top football job [but] preferred to go back to a club," she said.
"How many people are going to reject the AFL before they sit down and have a long, hard look at themselves and the sort of offerings they're giving good football people."
Wilson announced that an appointment would be made in the coming weeks with former Fremantle and GWS player Matt De Boer emerging as a favourite. Football administrator Andrew Ireland would also be in the conversation for membership.
