Former Geelong President unveiled as new AFL Chairman

The AFL has unveiled former Geelong President Craig Drummond as the new Chairman of the AFL.

As reported by 7News' Xander McGuire, Drummond is set to step into the role ahead of the 2026 season, taking over from the departing Richard Goyder.

Drummond first commenced presidency at Geelong in 2021, having sat on the club board since 2011. The former federal government financial regulator and Medibank CEO has been awarded the job over the likes of former Collingwood president Jeff Browne, former Western Bulldogs president Peter Gordon, and former AFLPA CEP Peter Allen - all of which remained top candidates for the commission role.

Stepping away from Geelong at the conclusion of 2024, Drummond re-enters the AFL landscape following Goyder's nine-year run as the league commissioner.

The AFL released this statement:

The AFL Commission has today confirmed it has unanimously endorsed former Geelong Cats Football club president and highly respected business leader Craig Drummond to join the AFL Commission.

The announcement follows a rigorous selection process with representation from club presidents and Commission directors on a Nominations Committee supported by a global recruitment firm.

Mr Drummond brings extensive experience across the finance, health, and sport sectors, as well as his experience as a former club president and long-serving AFL club director.

AFL Commission Chair Richard Goyder AO confirmed his final meeting on the Commission would be at the March Annual General Meeting.

Mr Goyder said the Commission had prioritised three key criteria to the selection process – capability and experience to lead the Commission as Chair, the ability to unite AFL stakeholders including clubs, and a passion and vision to grow the game.

"Our national game is in great shape, but we can't afford to stand still," Mr Goyder said.

"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."

Craig was a Director of Geelong Cats Football Club for 13 years, including serving four as president from 2021-2024, which included the 2022 Premiership win and the completion of the Joel Selwood stand at GMHBA Stadium.

He was CEO of Medibank, following a 30-year career in finance including with NAB, JB Were, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs. He is currently Chair of Transurban Group, Australian Foundation Investment Group (AFIC), the Ian Potter Foundation and a Director of Ramsay Healthcare.

In accordance with the AFL Constitution, Mr Drummond's nomination will be presented to AFL Clubs at the Commission's March AGM, with the appointment of Chair a formal decision of the Commission.

Mr Goyder thanked the Nominations Committee, which included club presidents John Olsen, Andrew Wellington, Dr Sonja Hood, Andrew Bassatt and Andrew Pridham along with AFL Commissioners.