Influential Carlton figures have backed former AFL Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick as the best candidate for Blues president after the resignation of embattled businessman Luke Sayers.
The Blues are hunting for a replacement for Sayers, who stood down on Wednesday despite being cleared of breaching AFL rules over the posting of a lewd image from his X account.
Luke Sayers quit as president of Carlton Football Club.Credit: Elke Meitzel
The league investigation found he did not post the image himself or tag an executive from Carlton sponsor Bupa, and that his account was “compromised”.
Vice-presidents Robert Priestley and Patty Kinnersly have been appointed interim presidents, with Sydney-based investment banker Priestly favoured internally for the role.
However, Fitzpatrick was high on the list of names put forward by prominent Carlton people on Thursday.
The former captain, three-time premiership player and Rhodes scholar, who has resisted previous attempts to convince him to join the Carlton board, was contacted for comment.
Tom Elliott, the radio host and son of the late Blues president John Elliott, said he would not put himself forward, but the next president should come from outside the current board.
“There are some very well-credentialed, high-profile Carlton supporters who I think need to step up,” said Elliott on 3AW, raising Fitzpatrick and former Blues champion Anthony Koutoufides, who recently ran unsuccessfully for Melbourne Lord Mayor, as possible candidates. He was also contacted for comment.
Former federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg ruled himself out of contention.
“I love the Blues and the team is on the right track, but I am not a contender for the role. Like all Blues fans, I will be cheering from the sidelines hoping for a flag in 2025!” Frydenberg said on X.
Amid the fallout from the Sayers scandal, Bupa confirmed its sponsorship of the Blues was safe until the current contract finishes at the end of this year, despite cancelling its naming rights sponsorship of the Blues’ “Run for Respect” event, scheduled for February 2 at Princes Park.
Sources at Carlton, who declined to be named because of the sensitivities involved, acknowledged the club would need to repair the relationship to secure an extension beyond 2025.
“Our sponsorship of Carlton will continue as planned,” a Bupa spokesperson said.
Priestley, the chair of J.P. Morgan Australia and New Zealand, has been based in Sydney for most of his adult life but attended Brighton Grammar.
He joined the board in 2021 and is a lifelong Blues fan.
Mike Fitzpatrick is a Carlton premiership captain and former AFL Commission chair.Credit: Jesse Marlow
Two Carlton sources, who preferred to remain anonymous to discuss a board member, said Priestley was well respected by staff and players and that his Sydney home would not be an issue as he commutes regularly to Melbourne.
Kinnersly, the CEO of Our Watch, is an influential figure at the club and also well regarded, but it remains unclear whether she will put her hand up for the job.
The Blues said in their statement on Wednesday that they “continued to connect with those involved, including individuals and corporate partners to provide ongoing care and support”.
Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.
