Former Geelong president Craig Drummond to be new chairman of AFL Commission
Outgoing AFL Commission chairman Richard Goyder has lauded Craig Drummond’s “deep understanding of football” after the former Geelong president was endorsed as his replacement.
Goyder’s 15-year tenure will come to an end next March and he said Drummond was the right person to lead the league into a “new era of growth”.
Drummond, who stepped down as Cats president at the end of 2024, won the top post ahead of thee likes of former Collingwood president Jeff Browne and former Western Bulldogs president Peter Gordon.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Goyder said the Commission had prioritised three key criteria to the selection process – capability and experience to lead the Commission as Chair, the ability to unite AFL stakeholders including clubs, and a passion and vision to grow the game.
“Our national game is in great shape, but we can’t afford to stand still,” Mr Goyder said.
“The Commissioners and I have every confidence that when my term ends in March, Craig is the right person to lead a new era of growth and engagement with our fans, our clubs, and our broadcast partners.
“Craig has a deep understanding of football, combined with proven business and leadership capability.
“His contribution to the game and his professional track record will make him an outstanding addition to the AFL Commission.”
Drummond was on the Geelong board for 13 years, including serving four as president from 2021-2024, which included the 2022 Premiership win.
He was CEO of Medibank, following a 30-year career in finance including with NAB, JB Were, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs and is currently Chair of Transurban Group, Australian Foundation Investment Group (AFIC), the Ian Potter Foundation and a Director of Ramsay Healthcare.
Drummond’s nomination will be presented to AFL Clubs at the Commission’s March AGM, with the appointment of Chair a formal decision of the Commission.
The AFL commission selects its chairman, but the clubs have the sole right to vote for commission members.
Originally published as Former Geelong president Craig Drummond to be new chairman of AFL Commission
