Andrew Dillon (sports administrator)

Andrew Dillon
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon
Andrew Dillon in 2023.
Born
Victoria
Education
OccupationCEO of the AFL
Known forAFL CEO
PredecessorGillon McLachlan
SpouseAmanda Dillon
Children3
Websiteafl.com.au

Andrew Dillon is an Australian sports administrator, and the chief executive officer of the Australian Football League (AFL). Dillon's appointment was announced in May 2023, and he took over from Gillon McLachlan in October 2023.[1]

Early life and schooling

Dillon attended Xavier College in Kew. He completed a Bachelor of Commerce and Laws from University of Melbourne and Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment from the Securities Institute of Australia.[2]

Business career

In 1994, Dillon was employed as articled clerk at Corrs Chambers Westgarth and then became a commercial solicitor.[3] In 1997, he was appointed in-house legal counsel at Village Roadshow.[3] In August 2000, Dillon commenced his career at the Australian Football League as its legal counsel.[3] In July 2004, he was promoted to AFL's General Manager of Legal and Business Affairs.[3] In December 2011, he was appointed General Manager of National and Game Development.[3] In 2013, he was appointed General Manager, Legal Integrity and Compliance. In 2017, game development was added to his role.

At the time of his appointment as AFL CEO elect in May 2023, Dillon was Executive General Manager Football Operations, Legal & Integrity. He had been the AFL's General Counsel since 2011.[3] In announcing his appointment, AFL Chairman Richard Goyder stated: "Andrew has been a key leader and voice in every decision we have made as an organisation for many years, and he brings not only experience across both elite and community football but also a key involvement in our major broadcast and partnership deals and in developing and shaping the AFL’s response to a number of key social issues."[4]

Sporting career

Dillon played for Old Xaverians Football Club in the Victorian Amateur Football League (VAFA) from 1989 to 2005.[3] He played 290 games and was one of four players who featured in the club's six consecutive premierships between 1995 and 2000.[3] Dillon has since been made a life member of Old Xaverians.[3] He represented the VAFA on two occasions, was a committee member of Old Xaverians from 1998 to 2003, and was assistant coach from 2011 to 2012.[3] Dillon also coached Kew Comets Junior Girls Football Club from 2014 to 2018.[3]

Personal life

Dillon's father John was a lawyer, eighth president of the Victorian Amateur Football League in 1984, and chairman of the Melbourne Racing Club from 2003 to 2005.[5] He is the third of six children.[2] Dillon's wife Amanda is the daughter of Paul Sheahan, a former Australian test cricketer, Melbourne Grammar School headmaster and president of the Melbourne Cricket Club.[2] The Dillons have three daughters.[3]

References

  1. ^ Beveridge, Riley (1 May 2023). "'Truly humbled': Andrew Dillon appointed new AFL CEO". Australian Football League. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  2. ^ a b c Gleeson, Michael (1 May 2023). "The Old Xavs boy without an enemy in the game: Who is new AFL boss Andrew Dillon?". Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "VAFA Congratulates Andrew Dillon". Victorian Football Association. 1 May 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  4. ^ Mahoney, Jack (1 May 2023). "Andrew Dillon appointed AFL CEO after a 12-month search for Gillon McLachlan's replacement". Sky News. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  5. ^ Pollard, Kylie (1 May 2023). "Who is Andrew Dillon, the new AFL chief executive set to take over from Gillon McLachlan?". ABC News. Retrieved 1 May 2023.