Former Geelong president Craig Drummond is set to replace Richard Goyder as the next chairman of the AFL Commission.
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.
Craig Drummond.Credit: Elke Meitzel
“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 and two-time former Western Bulldogs president and AFL legal advisor Peter Gordon.
Goyder, who has been chairman since succeeding Mike Fitzpatrick in 2017, 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.
Craig Drummond is poised to replace Richard Goyder as AFL Commission chairman.Credit: Getty Images
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 was president of Geelong for four years (2021-2024) and a board member for 13 years, a term which has included the 2022 premiership and the completion of the Joel Selwood Stand at the redeveloped stadium in Kardinia Park.
