‘My priorities are clear’: Craig Drummond set to replace Goyder as the next AFL Commission chair

Former Geelong president Craig Drummond will focus on improving the connection between the AFL Commission and clubs and make fans his top priority when he replaces Richard Goyder as chairman.

Drummond has been endorsed by the nominations committee searching for Goyder’s replacement, with AFL presidents informed of the decision at a meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

“In accordance with the AFL constitution, his nomination will be presented to AFL clubs at the commission’s March AGM, with the appointment of chair a formal decision of the commission,” an AFL statement read.

Drummond was preferred ahead of former Collingwood president Jeff Browne, who had previously withdrawn from the race, and two-time former Western Bulldogs president and AFL legal advisor Peter Gordon.

In a letter to presidents, Drummond wrote that he wanted a better connection to clubs. Goyder had been on the AFL Commission for six years before becoming chair; Drummond will join the commission as chairman.

“I have loved this game since I was a primary school kid growing up in Leongatha listening to games on the radio,” Drummond wrote.

“My priorities are clear. Fan engagement, growing the game, and aligning every stakeholder to realise the full potential of a game already richly ingrained in the cultural fabric of the nation. Our number one priority must always be the fans of our game.

He added: “I am someone who believes in more engagement between the AFL and our clubs and that will be one of my priorities.”

Goyder, who had been on the Fremantle board before joining the commission, has been chairman since succeeding Mike Fitzpatrick in 2017. He announced in September that he would step down in March 2026.

Initially, he had pushed to commence another term as chairman, which surprised fellow commissioners. Club presidents who doubted his intention to vacate the role added to the pressure on Goyder to declare a firm position.

The nominations committee, comprising commissioners and club presidents in consultation with a recruitment firm, was given the task of identifying Goyder’s successor, but clubs became frustrated that the committee could not agree on a suitable replacement and pressed for a greater say in the process.

Drummond is seen as a compromise candidate between Browne and Gordon, who both had strong backers and detractors among club presidents. He represents a continuation of the Goyder years with a sober, corporate finance head leading the AFL.

Drummond was president of Geelong for four years (2021-2024) and a board member for 13 years, a term that included the 2022 premiership and the completion of the Joel Selwood Stand at the redeveloped stadium in Kardinia Park.

He was CEO of Medibank and has worked in finance at NAB, JBWere, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs. He is the chair of Transurban Group, Australian Foundation Investment Group (AFIC), the Ian Potter Foundation and a director of Ramsay Healthcare.

“Our national game is in great shape, but we can’t afford to stand still,” Goyder said of the handover.

“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.”

The league’s expansion with the new Tasmania Devils team will be the most significant item on Drummond’s agenda as chair.

Given the importance of broadcast revenue to underpinning the financial health of the competition, the next broadcast rights agreement due in 2031 will be the most significant item on the horizon for the AFL due to the rapidly changing state of free-to-air TV and streaming services.

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