The new AFL chief executive says "there's no boys' club" in the league despite Gillon McLachlan being replaced by his number two after a year-long search.
Andrew Dillon has been with the AFL since arriving as an in-house lawyer in 2000 and has held multiple administrative roles since then, including general counsel for the past 12 years.
Club bosses were told of Dillon's appointment in a meeting this morning before his official unveiling at a press conference, where he was asked if an in-house corporate lawyer being elevated to AFL chief executive suggested the league lacked diversity.
"You only have to look at the calibre of our executive team and the calibre of my football integrity and legal team to say there's no boys' club here," Dillon said.
"We've got a talented, diverse workforce and everyone's opinions are listened to and acted on. The more diverse the talent, the better decisions.
AFL executives Steven Hocking, Andrew Dillon and Gillon McLachlan watch an AFLX match in 2018. (Getty Images: Michael Willson/AFL Media)
"I don't buy that [claim of a boys' club] one bit."
McLachlan announced he was quitting the job in April last year and wanted to stand down at the end of last season, but he was urged to stay on by the AFL commission amid a global search for a replacement.
McLachlan will remain in charge until the end of the current AFL season.
Asked for his thoughts on his successor, McLachlan gave glowing praise for Dillon.
"I think Andrew's a person with huge intellect, incredible integrity and values," McLachlan told ABC.
"He knows community football backwards and has had an incredible apprenticeship at the AFL working on all the big deals, he knows the structures, the people and he's able to take the game forward with that background.
"I think one of the things I know about Andrew is he's incredibly resilient and he's incredibly humble and I think those two things are going to see him in really good shape to take on that public-facing (role)."
Live Moment
Look back at how ABC readers and other Australians responded to this live moment.
Live moment closed
The AFL Commission chairman and AFL CEO-elect shake hands and bring the press conference to an end.
Thanks for joining for the live portion, we'll have plenty more news and reaction to Dillon's appointment throughout the day at abc.net.au/sport.
"It's about being truly national. We have a truly national competition we want to be a truly national sport overseen by a truly national organisation.
"We want to see AFL and AFLW and be financially robust and continue to grow. It's got to be a safe place. We want to be safe, culturally safe and also safe from a physical point of view. We will continue to put the health and safety of all our players and participants at the forefront."
Andrew Dillon:
"You only have to look at the calibre of our executive team and the calibre of my football integrity and legal team to say there's no boys club here.
"We've got a talented diverse workforce and everyone's opinions are listened to and acted on. The more diverse the talent, the better decisions. I don't buy that one bit."
Andrew Dillon stays on the fence.
"I went to my first grand final in 1976. I've been to two drawn grand finals, I've been to a grand final at Waverly, and was fortunate enough over the last three years to go to a grand final that was at the Gabba at night.
"I went to one at Optus Stadium, a twilight grand final and last year was back at the MCG for a day grand final. They've all been amazing. I haven't been to a bad grand final, but last year's was really good."
Richard Goyder responds:
"The most important thing is the outcome of the outcome we announced today. It was towards the end of last year, we wanted to deal with the Hawthorn issue and as we've announced over the weekend, what governments have announced.
"Hopefully we can move things forward over the next couple of days, a couple of things that have been the priority of the AFL which are incredibly important to the game so I don't think we've lost any I don't think we've lost any momentum over the period."
"It was a mixture of everything. It was excitement, relief and there was trepidation as well.
"It's a massive job and a massive responsibility stop but to have Richard and the commission and trust me with that responsibility means a lot.
"It was a mixture of everything, but right now I'm really excited. I'm just humbled proud to be here and have this great responsibility."
"I have been so fortunate to be involved in footy at so many levels throughout my life from my first game as a five year old, right through the junior club and school football.
"I umpired, albeit not very well, during my high school years and I played community football for 16 years at a senior level.
"I am running an AusKick centre, assistant coach at senior level and coached junior girls' football for five years. I can tell you in my 23 years at the AFL there is been no tougher job than trying to run a training session on a Friday afternoon and under 13 girls team."
The new boss is speaking now.
"It is a really humbling moment for me to be appointed as the next CEO of the AFL.
"Football has been a defining part of my life. As it has for so many of our supporters, it is a privilege and honour to be given the opportunity to leave the AFL. I'm looking forward to working with the AFL team, our clubs, our players, our coaches and the wider industry to ensure our game continues to expand its reach."
Richard Goyder confirms the new man's start date.
"Andrew will immediately become CEO-elect and in accordance with good practice, and the need for a smooth transition. Gillon McLachlan has agreed to be CEO of AFL until the conclusion of the 2023 AFL premiership season."
He is joined by AFL chairman Richard Goyder, who says Dillon was the "standout choice" among a competitive field.
"He knows the football community, he knows our supporters, volunteers, participants, players and has a clear vision when he wants to take the game to more and more people."
Wondering what this is? Join us next time we're live and be part of the discussion.
