Source :- THE AGE NEWS
Incoming AFL chair Craig Drummond has promised clubs and fans that the AFL Commission and executive will not display arrogance or hubris as they pursue the continued growth of the game while maintaining respect for football’s heartland.
In his first media appearance as the chair after accepting the post from the departing Richard Goyder at the league’s annual general meeting in Sydney, Drummond said he wants to build a constructive relationship with clubs and listen to the fans.
Craig Drummond (left) has replaced Richard Goyder as the new AFL Commission chairman.Credit: Getty
He said his focus will be squarely on football as he unveiled a catchphrase “football, fans and future” to sum up his approach to leading the game.
“I want it to be very clear that there will not be any hubris or arrogance from the AFL Commission or AFL executive,” Drummond said. “I do believe we are in great shape, but we are in a changing world [and] changing landscape.”
Drummond said his time as club president of Geelong from 2021-24, and on the Cats’ board for 13 years, gave him an understanding of the expertise within clubs, and he wanted the AFL to tap into that knowledge.
“I am not saying we are always going to agree on every issue, but we listen to those folks, and we look for a bigger contribution and a bigger set of collaboration with our clubs,” Drummond said.
Nick Haynes (Carlton), Logan McDonald (Sydney), Aaron Cadman (GWS) and Will Day (Hawthorn) at Sydney Town Hall for the AFL’s Opening Round launch on Monday.Credit: Steven Siewert
His elevation came at the end of a lengthy nominations process which drew the ire of several clubs.
Many AFL decisions attracted criticism from frustrated clubs in 2025 with CEO Andrew Dillon recognising the need to bolster club experience on the executive when he poached Sydney CEO Tom Harley and Brisbane Lions’ CEO Greg Swann to key AFL executive roles.
“There should be a natural tension between the AFL Commission and the clubs. We have to take into account what is best for the game and what is best for the fans as a collective and that won’t always correlate with what is best for an individual club,” Drummond said.
He confirmed a decision on the start time of a grand final would happen as soon as possible. But he was unwilling to commit to a position until he had assessed the data to understand what impact a night game might have on the standard of the game, as well as the views of fans and broadcasters.
Drummond, who emphasised his love for the game transcended his love for Geelong who he has supported for 60 years, said he wanted to spend time inside clubs to understand their perspective but made it clear that “the clubs are running the clubs”.
Changes to the rules relating to club access to father-son, academy graduates and the bidding system are expected to be communicated ahead of the season. Dillon said a balance needed to be found between growing the game and equalisation policies, with the overarching philosophy being that “a fair price” needed to be paid to secure talent.
The clubs anticipate they will have to give up two draft picks to match a bid for a father-son or academy graduate, with Carlton and Port Adelaide concerned about the impact any shift will have on their access to Cody Walker and Doug Cochrane.
There is also an expectation that a top-10 pick will no longer be given as compensation for losing a player through free agency.
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