Sport AFL AFL 2025 ‘Not a gender thing’: Dillon defends clubs amid decision to split Kane’s role By Jon Pierik May 30, 2025 — 9.21am
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon recently made significant changes within the league’s leadership structure, sparking discussions about gender equality and club dynamics. The decision to redistribute Laura Kane’s responsibilities raised questions about bias. However, Dillon emphasized that the move was not motivated by gender considerations.
In a bid to enhance operational efficiency, Dillon divided Kane’s former role as executive general manager of football into two separate positions. While Kane retained her place on the AFL’s leadership team as executive general manager of football operations, she would no longer be responsible for overseeing football performance. This restructuring aimed to address growing tensions stemming from various issues with clubs and the AFL umpiring department.
Dillon clarified that the changes were strategic and not personal.
“What this change in structure does provide the AFL with the best chance to succeed,”
he explained during an interview on ABC Radio. These adjustments were part of a broader organizational strategy aimed at optimizing performance across different areas of operation within the league.
When addressing concerns about potential resistance from club leaders towards taking directions from Kane, Dillon maintained that it was not an issue of gender bias but rather a natural aspect of managing professional relationships in a highly competitive environment like the AFL.
“It’s a hyper-competitive competition… there has always been tension with the clubs,”
he stated.
“Laura has broken down a lot of barriers… she will continue to be incredibly successful,”
Dillon praised Kane’s competence and anticipated her future contributions to the organization despite the structural changes.
Under this new arrangement, Kane would oversee key aspects such as managing seasons for various leagues under AFL’s purview and heading a specialized health and medical team focusing on mental health and concussion-related matters within the league—a critical area requiring dedicated attention.
Reflecting on Kane’s original remit, Dillon acknowledged that it might have been too broad for optimal effectiveness. He underscored his commitment to placing football operations at the core of their strategic focus moving forward.
Furthermore, additional restructuring within top management included departures and role reallocations among senior executives like Tanya Hosch and Stephen Meade—changes signaling a broader shift in how responsibilities are distributed within the organization.
As part of these developments, Western Bulldogs chief executive Ameet Bains, Fremantle counterpart Simon Garlick, and Sydney chief Tom Harley emerged as potential candidates for new leadership roles—an indication of ongoing efforts towards rejuvenating organizational structures for improved performance outcomes.
The recent changes announced by Dillon highlighted an ongoing commitment towards enhancing operational efficiency while also promoting inclusivity and diversity within key decision-making processes—a testament to fostering equitable workplace practices amidst evolving organizational landscapes in professional sports administration.
Leave feedback about this