Garry Lyon has told SEN Breakfast 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.
“(Brendon Gale) is the next CEO of the AFL. I’m declaring it,” Lyon said.
“If you were to lock me (into a date), I would say 2023.”
Lyon's declaration after comments that current AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan made to SEN WA last week.
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“As a chief executive, you’ve got your run at it,” McLachlan said.
“I think eight to 10 years is what feels to me about right if everything goes well. I’ve done seven years and I’ve got some stuff to do, but I think it has its time."
“At the moment, I’m still enjoying it and I’ve got things to do, but I’m 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.
“You’re conscious with public life that there is a lifespan, but I’m enjoying it. I’ve been very lucky.
“It’s a position of great privilege because this game means so much to so many people and I’ve been very lucky.”
McLachlan's successor will undoubtedly be the subject of much speculation as he approaches the end of his tenure.