The Australian Football League (AFL) is in a sort of executive revolution right now, with Andrew Dillon leading the charge. This reshuffle was triggered with the recent appointment of Denise Bowden to the commission. They’ve released a number of new initiatives aimed at building the league’s internal culture and external relationship with their local community. The AFL is set to re-write its illicit drugs policy. In addition to the invitations they are extending, they’re committing to practicing inclusion internally.
Dillon, who announced the executive changes last Friday, stressed the need for diverse leadership in the AFL. He promised that the measures would align the players’ and owners’ interests to keep the successful momentum and future growth of the league going. Laura Kane, who most recently served as the club’s head of football operations, will implement the new policy. She will be working closely with our new executive team.
Key Leadership Changes
Dillon’s influence claimed a primary scalp— Laura Kane was removed from her position overseeing football operations. The position has since then been split into two separate and unique roles. Greg Swann to become head of football performance in the AFL. In the meantime, Kane will stay on to run day-to-day football operations.
Dillon highlighted Kane’s value to the executive team, stating, “Laura is a valued member of the executive team — she has an incredible portfolio, a big portfolio in front of her now.” He reiterated her importance by noting, “She has a really big and important role and she’s excited by the challenge in front of her.”
For Tanya, who spent almost nine years running with the AFL, no doubt her time was crucial. Dillon remarked on her contributions, saying, “Tanya, in her nearly nine years at the AFL, did an incredible amount of work in this space.”
New Initiatives for Community Engagement
Beyond the executive transition, the AFL has launched new efforts to make themselves more welcoming and accessible to the community. Select matches during rounds 16-19 will include additional programming aimed at connecting fans more authentically with the club, players and each other. This applies to all Victorian games across the entire weekend during round 21. Dillon hopes this change will create an incentive for younger fans to be more active participants.
Dillon continued, urging for a more inclusive community in the league. What we will have is deeper leaders and deeper voices throughout the institution. Our dedication to our joint inclusion is as strong as it’s ever been,” he included. This strategy deepens the AFL’s connection to its dedicated fans. Simultaneously, it encourages civic-minded community pride and values.
Focus on Policy Revision
The revision of the illicit drugs policy has continued to be a key focus for the AFL. With Laura Kane at the forefront of this initiative, Dillon outlined the league’s objectives: “We want to make sure we have the policy that is fit for purpose for ’25 and beyond and it’s a policy that has buy-in obviously from the AFL, the players’ association, our clubs and our playing group.”
The engagement of an Indigenous advisory council has been heralded as one of the most transformative changes to have come within the organization from within. Their leadership has truly made all the difference. Combined, they hit on some of the most important points regarding the league’s pursuit of inclusiveness and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
Dillon concluded by asserting the importance of maintaining momentum as they move forward: “What the announcements from last week do is ensure we can continue the momentum we have and make sure we’re set up for success going into the future.”
