Mike Fitzpatrick retires as chairman of AFL Commission, Richard Goyder to step in
Mike Fitzpatrick has been chairman of the AFL since 2007. PHoto: AFL
After a decade as chairman of the AFL Commission, Mick Fitzpatrick has announced his retirement, to will be replaced by former Wesfarmers chief Richard Goyder.
Goyder’s departure from the retail group had been revealed on Tuesday, prompting speculation about his next move. He has been an AFL commissioner since 2011.
The AFL released a statement on Wednesday confirming that Fitzpatrick was retiring from his post after 14 years on the Commission and 10 as chairman.
He oversaw a series of big moments in the league’s history, including several TV rights agreements and the expansion of the league to include Gold Coast and GWS, who entered the AFL in the 2011 and 2012 seasons respectively.
“The highlight for me was the signing of the most recent media deal,” he said on Wednesday.
“The size of it and the scale of it and what it does for the code is a great achievement.”
The former Subiaco and Carlton footballer won three VFL premierships with the Blues, and was a director of Carlton from 1989-1995.
Mike Fitzpatrick career
- Subiaco (WAFL) – 97 games
- Carlton (VFL) – 150 games, three premierships (1979, 1980, 1982)
- Blues captain 1980-83, director 1989-95
- AFL Commission: joined 1993, made chairman 2007
Fitzpatrick said the time was right for his departure after seeing in the new AFL Women’s league.
“We have always said that our game is a game for all, but the launch of the AFL Women’s League ensures anyone growing up with the dream of playing AFL at the elite level can achieve that dream,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said Fitzpatrick had been a mentor and friend.
“Mike was at his best under pressure, and I will always appreciate his calmness and directness when things were challenging. His great legacies are his love for the game, and his backing of the management team to make big decisions to change and ultimately grow our competition,” Mr McLachlan said.
Fitzpatrick’s final Commission AGM will be on March 16, and he will hand over to Goyder on April 4.
Goyder will be the first chairman to live outside Victoria.
Fitzpatrick said both that fact, and Goyder’s lack of playing experience at the top level, was good.
“Richard is very thorough. He doesn’t deal with fools lightly. He’s very organised and very committed to the game,” he said.
“The view (from the board that Goyder should take over) was absolutely unanimous.”
