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League great Leigh Matthews expresses interest in AFL Commission role

“There were a couple of conversations.”

Published by
Mitch Keating

League great Leigh Matthews has confirmed his interest in potentially taking on a role with the AFL Commission, should they formally approach him.

Matthews' name had been raised as a potential addition to the league's Commission in February, with at least two vacancies open as the AFL ponders replacements.

A decision on who the AFL would approach has been left on hold for the time being however, with the league needing to confirm its replacement for departing chief executive Gillon McLachlan.

While the AFL looks likely to have a new CEO named in the coming weeks, discussions surrounding the vacant AFL Commission roles have linked Matthews, along with Fremantle great Matthew Pavlich and former Collingwood player and Sydney boss Andrew Ireland, to a role at AFL House.

Should a formal approach be made toward Matthews, the AFL Legend would need to relinquish his media duties and position on Brisbane's board if he were to accept.

The four-time premiership coach has revealed he previously held discussions with the league, but is awaiting another call after the AFL appoints a new CEO.

"I have had a couple of conversations way back. Not for months because it's all been put on hold," Matthew told 3AW on Friday.

"Only a couple of conversations and I expressed some interest. It's a volunteer role and you can't do media.

"I had a couple of conversations in the last 12 months but everything has been put on hold. But that is why my name popped up. There were a couple of conversations.

"The conversation would only go anywhere if there was genuine interest in me being a candidate they thought would be good for the commission.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 16: Television commentator and football legend Leigh Matthews looks ahead during the round four AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the St Kilda Saints at Etihad Stadium on April 16, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

"... They have been looking for a person or two from the northern states or WA, which is why Matthew Pavlich's name popped up. Andrew Ireland, would be an ideal candidate too.

"The idea was they needed a couple of football background people."

The race to find McLachlan's replacement has seen two names emerge at the front of the pack, with Western Bulldogs president Kylie Watson-Wheeler and AFL legal counsel and head of football operations Andrew Dillon both seen to be in contention.

McLachlan is seen likely to step aside from his post next month following the federal budget, where allocated funding for a new stadium in Tasmania is likely to be included as the league looks to expand to the Apple Isle.

The budget is scheduled for May 9.

Published by
Mitch Keating