Mike Fitzpatrick, the AFL’s chairman for the past 10 years, has announced his resignation from the post and will be replaced by his fellow commissioner Richard Goyder.
The 64-year-old Fitzpatrick retires from the AFL Commission having overseen a successful period of expansion that featured the creation of two new men’s teams – Greater Western Sydney Giants and Gold Coast Suns – and the introduction of the AFLW.
“When I came on the commission there was a comfortable group, very comfortable dominating the southern states,” Fitzpatrick said. “I felt the only way we could remain the No1 code over time is looking at establishing more teams in the north.
“We’re still not quite there yet [but] the success of GWS last year and the fact there’s going to be something like 20,000 members this year shows they’re on the right track.”
Fitzpatrick leaves his post two rounds into the inaugural AFLW season, having delivered the popular new women’s league ahead of schedule.
“We have always said that our game is a game for all, but the launch of the AFL women’s league ensures anyone growing up with the dream of playing AFL at the elite level can achieve that dream,” he said.
During his tenure, the AFL also purchased Etihad Stadium and negotiated three media rights deals, the most recent of which is worth $2.5bn over six years.
“The highlight for me was the signing of the most recent media deal,” Fitzpatrick said. “The size of it and the scale of it and what it does for the code is a great achievement.”
But Fitzpatrick has also had to navigate the league through some testing times since taking over the role in 2007, most notably the Essendon supplements scandal which led the banning of 34 current and former Bombers players last year.
The three-time Carlton premiership ruckman will be succeeded by Goyder, who will not retire from his position as chief executive of Wesfarmers until later this year but will take over Fitzpatrick’s role on 4 April.
“Mike has cemented his place in the history of our game as a premiership captain, Carlton legend, and outstanding administrator,” Goyder said.
“I take over as chairman with the competition in a very strong position, and I look forward to delivering for our fans, clubs, players and the community to grow and protect the game that so many Australians love.”
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan paid tribute to Fitzpatrick’s efforts over the past decade and said he leaves with the game in rude health.
“His great legacies are his love for the game, and his backing of the management team to make big decisions to change and ultimately grow our competition.”
