Andrew Dillon, the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Football League (AFL), recently held a media session at the Dockers headquarters in Cockburn during an AFL Commission and executive meeting. First, he addressed a number of critical health disparities. Included was the AFL’s unprecedented rescue package to prop up financially failing clubs, such as the West Coast Eagles.
In between the formal meeting and its public comment period, Dillon answered tough questions from the assembled press corps. He was instrumental in bringing attention to the league’s struggles and progress. Most notably, he addressed the controversial, recently passed, and further scrutinized assistance package. The package includes one end-of-first-round draft pick. It now provides four additional rookie list spots for the next 2026, 2027 and 2028 seasons, all intended to help bolster the Eagles through this grim period.
Dillon also commended the advocacy and planning that led to the impressive presentation at their September commission meeting. Even though he thinks West Coast still has a fair amount of ground to cover, he feels optimistic that their direction of travel can only get better from here. As for the future, he touted the club’s unmatched resources—literally a 2018 club fortune—toward effecting some major change. This is all following them trading for dual Brisbane premiership player Brandon Starcevich and Richmond defender Tylar Young during the trade period.
Our friends the West Coast Eagles hold three first-round picks in the next draft, 1, 2 and 13. This earns them the benefit of the doubt for possible recruitment as they look to improve their roster.
As Dillon explained, it’s a delicate balancing act, particularly on the West Coast. He presented discussion over Geelong star Bailey Smith who has been under the spotlight for his off-field shenanigans of late. Dillon remarked, “I think Bailey’s a super footballer. He’s great for the game but I think there’s standards that all of our players and everyone who’s involved in the industry has to adhere to.”
AFL CEO Gill McLachlan in Don Pyke overs, commended Pyke’s leadership. He has been successfully steering the Eagles, ably assisted by Elizabeth Gaines and Andrew McQualter. Despite recognizing that McQualter had a very difficult year in his first season as head coach, Dillon said he feels good about where they’re all headed.
The current events mark an exciting time for West Coast as they seek to recover from a terrible 2022 campaign. This is where the AFL’s assistance package comes in. Providing this assistance would go a long way in amplifying their work to recover and restore their competitive advantage.
