The AFL have confirmed the appointment of Rob Auld as their new Executive General Manager of Game Development.
The new role will see Auld step away from his duties as AFL General Manager of Competition Management and become the newest AFL Executive member.
Auld's position will "oversee the League’s new recently endorsed game development strategy and investment to boost community and local football".
Having previously held the role of AFL Head of Game Development, Auld expressed the necessity to have a strong support network for grassroots football.
“Community football has been an important part of my life and I appreciate and understand the role community clubs play in local communities and the need to support the thousands of volunteers who ensure our clubs are strong and sustainable,” Mr Auld said.
“It is an honour to be able to support the development of the game across the country and I am committed to doing what we can to ensure our game continues to grow across the country.”
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan lauded Auld's expertise in the field of sport development in stating his excitement of the new appointment.
“Rob has demonstrated his ability to develop a clear strategy and to bring people along with him to work together to get the job done and to navigate our way through some really tough periods. This year has been incredibly challenging and Rob’s ability to focus people on the task at hand and work as a team to keep the competition on track has been vital in us getting the AFL and AFLW seasons,” Mr McLachlan said.
“His leadership has been extraordinary and as someone who has been involved in local football for years, he will bring great energy to the important job of helping build community football and ensuring local football clubs are front and centre to helping communities across Australia rebuild and reconnect as we learn to live with Covid.
“Supporting community football and getting kids back to playing sport and families back to connecting with each other is a key priority for the AFL and we will back that with increased investment to help clubs and to help local volunteers attract people back to our game.
“We know there are so many junior players who have missed the opportunity to play sport during lockdowns across the country, particularly in Victoria and NSW, and the AFL’s very clear commitment to parents is that we will double down on our efforts to help those kids – and families – get engaged and active again.
“We have a number of initiatives that we will announce soon, and Rob will lead the team in driving that support for community football across the country.”
Auld's appointment comes a month after the league announced a revamp to their Football Department ahead of 2022.
Former North Melbourne coach Brad Scott has stepped into the role as General Manager of Football, while Andrew Dillon - who has now been succeeded by Auld - has taken on the role as Executive General Manager of Football.
