Demetrio to resign at end of Season

Ringo · March 03, 2014, 10:19:39 AM

AFL ‏@AFL 4m

Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick announces CEO Andrew Demetriou has advised the Commission he will resign at season's end.

Confirmed that Demetriou will step down at end of season. Has had a difficult last couple of years so we wait and see who takes over.

He presided over the expansion of the game but imo still erred by not getting Tasmania as an expansion club.

ossie85 · March 03, 2014, 10:21:38 AM

^ simple poll.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-03-03/demetriou

My thoughts....

Yes, he commented things he shouldn't have, and the handling of the whole Essendon saga will tarnish him a fair bit.

.... But I think the game is in great shape overall, the Suns are a success, less convinced on GWS, but the game is more national than it has ever been.

... A new boss can only help Tasmania's case

truBLUE · March 03, 2014, 10:26:57 AM

Quote from: ossie85 on March 03, 2014, 10:21:38 AM

^ simple poll.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-03-03/demetriou

My thoughts....

Yes, he commented things he shouldn't have, and the handling of the whole Essendon saga will tarnish him a fair bit.

.... But I think the game is in great shape overall, the Suns are a success, less convinced on GWS, but the game is more national than it has ever been.

... A new boss can only help Tasmania's case

We can only hope ossie for a Tassie team ,despite the bomber saga he has done a great job As im sure who takes over will get our tongues wagging :P

Ringo · March 03, 2014, 10:30:49 AM

Agree like any CEO he had strong points and also somw weaknesses.

When we look back it is hard to overlook the fact that attendances are the greatest they have ever been, expansion to 18 teams, the return from television rights whether we agree or not was best for the AFL.

As you say the ASADA investigation as it occurred in his last year will probably diminish his shine overall.

Just mentioned in interview one of his worst decisions was Meatloaf for the GF as well.

truBLUE · March 03, 2014, 10:45:00 AM

Hahahaha I forgot about meatloaf ,That would be number 2 on Demetriou's Greatest hits ;D

ossie85 · March 03, 2014, 11:02:04 AM

Quote from: Ringo on March 03, 2014, 10:30:49 AM
Just mentioned in interview one of his worst decisions was Meatloaf for the GF as well.

That's why the Pies and Saints had a draw, so they could have do over the next week

Purple 77 · March 03, 2014, 12:22:13 PM

He did some good things sure, but I am not a fan of him. The Tanking saga, I thought, was handled poorly, also the ASADA. I might also be wrong here, but does he have a say in the rule changes? If so, that's probably my biggest frustration with his tenure. Some hits yes, but I think I can speak for everyone when I say that there have been way too many rule changes in recent years, many that we don't want/agree with.

Tasmania just took a step forward for a team! :D 8)

Cruiseon · March 03, 2014, 01:57:20 PM

Afternoon all.

I was priviledged this time last week to be part of 12 people who were hosted for lunch at AFL House with Andrew Demetrio and his entire excutive team. (The only exception was Gill who had been in Sydney). I've never been a huge AD fan but he handled himself well and I was impressed by how open he was to answering questions.

It was neither on or off-the-record but his legacy was discussed, what he'd like to do next (not that a timeframe was given), Essendon, Tassie, the Buddy situation, equalisation, competing codes and many business aspects of the AFL which were very interesting. The other AFL execs were all openly discussing although it was clear it was 'his braoder show'. The main area that impressed was his comittment to responding to social issues with a conscience and quickly. Whether it be gender issues, race issues, social behaviour etc (gambling wasn't mentioned there were representatives of that industry in attendance). He said people get sick of non action from politicians and he would rather may a considered call quickly and be criticised rather than be criticised for doing nothing at all.

The business of AFL is in great hands I agree, I'm not sure the grass roots and broader passion of the game is at an all time high at least in Victoria. Big job for the next in line.

kilbluff1985 · March 03, 2014, 02:39:53 PM

to add to what everyone else was said i also think sending an Indigenous team to play Ireland was very stupid

Ringo · March 03, 2014, 02:45:15 PM

Thank you for the insight Cruise - Well done on the invite as well.

The one time I have had the opportunity to speak with Andrew he gave me the impression that he was really devoted to the game and wanted AFL to succeed Australia wide and be the dominant winter sport. He was really passionate about it and do not think it was a show just because the meeting was in Brisbane.

Agree next in line has a big job. Let's hope the football takes over this season and we see no more scandals so transition can be smooth.

GoLions · March 03, 2014, 03:40:58 PM

tbag will be so happy :P

Rusty00 · March 03, 2014, 04:22:07 PM

Quote from: GoLions16 on March 03, 2014, 03:40:58 PM
tbag will be so happy :P

He's the first person I thought of when I heard the news ::)

Master Q · March 03, 2014, 05:42:03 PM

Many aren't a fan with him, but I think he did an 'average' job.

Expansion has been handled very well and is working out so far. Obviously there is the Tassie issue but there are problems there and they should be addressed over the next few years.

Can't argue with the TV rights deal.

Rules is a negative, I am unsure if he had any say on them though.

shaker · March 03, 2014, 06:26:54 PM

Jeez he had a fair whack at the bombers in his speech I think there is a lot more to come of this and I think he knows

RaisyDaisy · March 03, 2014, 06:28:52 PM

I've always quite liked AD - the way he represents himself and the direction he has taken the AFL in

Yeah theres been a few farcical mess ups, and he could have done things better, but every CEO is always going to take the brunt of anything that doesn't go perfectly, and overall I really liked him being the CEO

I personally don't get caught up in too much of the political stuff - to me, the game is in excellent shape and he seemed like a pretty approachable guy who didn't might having a laugh, and that's why I liked him