Incoming AFL CEO Andrew Dillon says he felt like “the luckiest man in Australia” when he was announced as the replacement for Gillon McLachlan on Monday.
Describing the appointment as “the best day of my professional life”, Dillon will take the reins of the billion-dollar empire at the conclusion of the 2023 season.
The incoming CEO was candid on the AFL’s big issues when speaking on AFL 360.
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Question: Should the Hobart stadium have a roof?
Andrew Dillon: I think it’s really important that we have an elite stadium down in Hobart and yes it should have a roof.
Q: Is cricket trying to muscle their way into a conversation they’ve had no role in here?
AD: I’m not aware of that.
We’re having really good discussions with the Tasmanian government and we’ll have a stadium with a roof.
‘A great person’ Gill backs in new CEO | 06:33
Q: 19 is an odd number – at some point in your administration do you think you’ll consider a 20th team?
AD: It’s a really good question – we’ve had odd number of teams in the competition a number of times.
We’ve had 15 teams, 17 teams for a year when Gold Coast came in. It’s something you may look at but that’s something a long way down the track.
We’re not even at 19 yet.
We had a great announcement on the weekend from the Prime Minister and amazing support from the Tasmanian government and Premier Rockliff. We’ve still got a fair way to go before we get the 19th licence.
Q: What is the best starting time for the grand final?
AD: Best time? 2.30pm.
Q: Should the game retain the bounce?
AD: What we’ve got to do is what’s best for the history and respecting the tradition of the game, but we’ve got to get enough people umpiring as well.
Q: Can we get Thursday night footy every week?
AD: We’re going to be working towards that in the new collective agreement and the new broadcast agreement.
Q: If it was your choice, would we have a mid-season trade period next year?
AD: I think if we can provide flexibility for list management, I think that’s really important.
