World Footy News

Andrew Demetriou gave his last season launch speech as the AFL's CEO tonight (after announcing his retirement as CEO effective at the end of the 2014 season).  The second part of the transcript of the speech follows.

The AFL's about the future.

We will continue to create the infrastructure that is best for our fans, and within three years what you see here in Adelaide, will be replicated in Perth, at Burswood. We will always put the fans first. Always.

We will continue to take our game to all states and territories, and we will ensure that all clubs have the same opportunities to flourish, and be ultra competitive. Equal opportunity for all is a fundamental of our competition, and I am sure we will see changes in the way opportunity is managed in the not too distant future.

We will continue to secure the best talent for our game, with the best conditions to provide the best entertainment, retaining the AFL's well-deserved position as the number one code in Australian sport, serving the broadest community with the best facilities, whether at the ground, at home, or on the road.

As I said to the media on Monday: THIS, the AFL, is THE sport of Australia.

We will continue to be at the forefront of technological change, not just in the way we create media, and work with our media partners, but also making sure we provide our fans with the best information, live, digital, or whatever the next generation provides.

We will continue to the best of partners for our corporate and government relations, looking always for the best outcomes for the Australian community.

We will remain at the forefront of the challenge that dogs all sports—managing the integrity of the game and all who work in it. We will not be beaten by the scourge of drugs, or gambling, or sinister processes.

We will find new pathways for administrators and coaches to find their way into the AFL system, to ensure the strength of the game remains paramount, and our role in developing young sportspeople to be great players and great citizens never changes. 

In this International Women's week in which the world recognises the role of women in our society, we must remain open to inclusion of women in all areas of our game. We are getting better, but we're miles away from where we must be, with more women in senior roles in the AFL and in clubs. We have women on the Commission, we have a woman as a club president, I look forward to the next step—a CEO at club level, and more women on the AFL executive.

We will never forget that our game is for our fans, and we will be ever alert to find the best ways to take our game to the fans in ways that are accessible, affordable, and remarkable.

And we will always recognise our role as a senior citizen of this country, with all the responsibilities and opportunities that badge carries.

Finally, I want to thank you all for what you have given me over this wonderful journey. 

In particular, my chairman Mike Fitzpatrick, my great mentor Bill Kelty, the members of the Commission, and to all of those in my executive, including those who have been and gone, but in particular my deputy Gillon McLachlan who has done so much to support me, and the AFL's agenda, with little thanks, or profile.

I want to thank the wonderful staff at the AFL who give so much to our game, without any thought of what time it is, or what day it is, or where it is. Their selflessness is something special; in particular thanks to Yolanda Ferguson, who came with me from the AFLPA, no doubt with no idea what was ahead of her, and has been a loyal and wonderful supporter throughout.

I want to thank all our clubs, and all the great people I have met on the journey—not just presidents and CEOs, but coaches, players, trainers, doctors, even doormen. 

I want to thank the media. We've had our moments, but the role of the best media is to keep the bastards honest, and, on balance, that's what you have done. It's extraordinary to think that we have more media accredited to the AFL than to the total Government of Australia, and that, really describes what Jill said. Our media presence represents how important our game is to so many.

I want to thank the fans, who make all our lives worth living. The joy they get from our game is so intoxicating. I look forward to becoming a fan again. 
I will never forget my time at the AFL: how could I? I met my beautiful wife Symone during my time in Football Operations, and all my children have been born in my time as CEO.

What a wonderful footprint for the rest of my life.

Thank you all, and may this season be one of the great seasons for all of you, and for all of us.