Lumen Winter 2015 - Flipbook - Page 11
stor y by Con n i e D u t t on
Best and
fairest
Australian Rules football fans have lots to say about how they watch
and interact with the game – and Gillon McLachlan is listening.
T
he commerce graduate at the
helm of the AFL values the
feedback and is taking steps
to make the game more inclusive and
accessible for all Australians.
Gillon grew up on his family’s farming
property in the Adelaide Hills and graduated
with a Bachelor of Commerce in 1995.
He is the first to admit that the social
aspect of University was at the top of
his list of priorities.
“The friendships I made were a key
part of my days at uni,” Gillon said.
“I wasn’t a diligent student and probably
could have spent more time hitting the
books than I did socialising. However,
the socialising was great fun and I made
lifelong friends.”
His three brothers followed in his
footsteps and also graduated from the
University: well-known sports broadcaster
Hamish (BCom 1997), Banjo (BSc 2001,
LLB 2002) and Will (BCom 2005).
After relocating to Melbourne where he
completed a degree in law, Gillon worked
as a strategic consultant before joining
the AFL in 2000 alongside CEO of the
time and fellow Adelaide alumnus Wayne
Jackson (BEc 1968).
Some 15 years later, Gillon was appointed
CEO of the AFL, after several years as deputy.
“My studies at Adelaide are a central
part of my working life now,” Gillon said.
“The ability to build relationships in
business life is something I’ve learned
through both my schooling and university
days. It’s a core part of every day.”
One of his first points of business as
CEO was to address the concerns of
football fans, particularly the high cost
of attending games.
“The feedback from fans for some time
has been that the costs around football
– food, parking and transport – are a
significant impediment for them attending
games,” Gillon said.
A considerable amount of work has
been done during the off-season on the
fixture, as well as working with the AFL’s
two largest venues, the MCG and Etihad
Stadium in Melbourne, to lower food and
beverage prices and make the games
more affordable and accessible.
“The decision to cut prices has been
extremely popular with fans and we have
to continue to work to achieve the same
outcomes around the country,” Gillon said.
Another important issue on the agenda
is preparing athletes for a life after football
and providing the time and opportunities
for them to undertake a tertiary education.
“It is vital for players to have the
opportunity to attend university if they
wish, both for their professional and
personal development,” he said.
“Education was a great part of my life
and it’s a wonderful time for most people.”
Above: AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan
(Image courtesy of AFL Photos)
It is vital for players
to have the opportunity to
attend university if they wish,
both for their professional and
personal development.
|e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 9
