Garry Lyon has toldย SEN Breakfastย that he believes Brendon Gale will be the next CEO of AFL.
Gale has been Richmond's CEO since his appointment in 2009 and has overseen three premierships over the last four years.
In 2018, Richmond became the first side to reach 100,000 members and has repeated the feat every year since.
Lyon believes that Gale's success is enough to earn him the league's top job.
โ(Brendon Gale) is the next CEO of the AFL. Iโm declaring it,โ Lyon said.
โIf you were to lock me (into a date), I would say 2023.โ
Lyon's declaration after comments that current AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan made to SEN WAย last week.
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โAs a chief executive, youโve got your run at it,โ McLachlan said.
โI think eight to 10 years is what feels to me about right if everything goes well. Iโve done seven years and Iโve got some stuff to do, but I think it has its time."
โAt the moment, Iโm still enjoying it and Iโve got things to do, but Iโm certainly in the second half (of my tenure) no doubt.
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McLachlan's predecessor Andrew Demetriou held the position from 2003-2014 which was the longest stint in the modern era.
Now entering the eighth year, McLachlan reflected on his role as CEO.
โYouโre conscious with public life that there is a lifespan, but Iโm enjoying it. Iโve been very lucky.
โItโs a position of great privilege because this game means so much to so many people and Iโve been very lucky.โ
McLachlan's successor will undoubtedly be the subject of much speculation as he approaches the end of his tenure.
