The hunt for a new football boss will sit atop AFL CEO-elect Andrew Dillon’s to-do list as he prepares to replace Gillon McLachlan officially in the job from October 2.
Respected former lawyer and Kangaroos executive Laura Kane has been installed as acting general manager of football as the AFL declared they will scan the market for the critical role, with the search for a replacement for Brad Scott put on hold until the CEO was appointed.
Apart from the day-to-day issues that arise in the game, the scope of the role is enormous. The game needs to remain entertaining while protecting player wellbeing, as the focus on concussion and tribunal decisions increases. Player movement rules will be critical as the league endeavours to accelerate list rebuilds and develop a competitive team in Tasmania.
Laura Kane, pictured here with now Essendon coach Brad Scott, has been at the AFL since 2021 after building an impressive reputation at North MelbourneCredit: Russell Bennett
Kane is expected to be a serious candidate for the job, however Giants executive and former Cats champion Jimmy Bartel, Essendon football manager and Port Adelaide premiership player Josh Mahoney, and Fremantle CEO and former Swan and Bulldog player Simon Garlick are among the other names industry sources expect to be considered.
Port Adelaide footy boss and first class cricketer Chris Davies ruled himself out of contention for the job late last year, but the league may reach out to him again, with Power coach Ken Hinkley to remain unsigned beyond this year until at least August.
Kane’s performance in football operations has impressed clubs, with the former lawyer and Kangaroos executive managing several high-pressure situations in 2023, including the lights going out at the Gabba in round two and the logistical exercise that was Gather Round.
Giants football director and former Geelong star Jimmy Bartel.Credit: Getty Images
She was prominent in the media during Gather Round and dealt effectively with a myriad of issues during the first seven rounds of the AFL season, while officially working as the AFL’s competition manager but supporting Dillon as he oversaw the football department.
Bartel is a triple-premiership player with Geelong and served on the players’ association board. He was also part of the AFL’s match review panel for several seasons, and was involved in the Brisbane Lions’ list build before joining the Giants’ board and being on the selection panel for a coach to replace Leon Cameron. He has also established a prominent media career.
Mahoney was considered a potential candidate for the role when Brad Scott joined the Bombers as coach after a stint within the AFL, and has long experience as football manager at Melbourne and Essendon. Mahoney also worked as an assistant coach at the Demons and played 97 AFL games across stints with three clubs.
Davies played first class cricket but is well regarded in football circles for his clear thinking and direct approach, having served as a loyal offsider to Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley as well as being a key member of the AFL competition committee that was prominent when Geelong CEO Steve Hocking was football operations boss.
Garlick played 181 games with Sydney and the Western Bulldogs before moving into club administration, as both a board member and CEO at the Bulldogs. He has been the Dockers CEO since 2020, with the club recently putting out a press release in a move designed to quash speculation he would be candidate for the role.
After asking for applications to the role late last year, the AFL put the process on hold until the CEO was appointed. It has been a stepping stone for more senior positions in the game with former football operations bosses including club CEOs Steve Hocking, Mark Evans and Simon Lethlean.
