In this bonus episode, Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Peter Ryan discuss Gillon McLachlan's impending departure as CEO of the AFL. McLachlan announced on Tuesday that he would finish up at the end of the season, but has a very full agenda to tick off before he goes, including a club funding agreement that could cause some friction. We discuss his legacy at the league, particularly launching AFLW; his strengths and how they helped him lead the competition through COVID-19; and how his handling of Adam Goodes' situation highlighted his weaknesses. Plus, who might succeed him in the role and what the future might hold for McLachlan himself.

Read about Gillon McLachlan's departure.

Read about the contenders to replace him.

Read about the reaction to the CEO's departure.

Got a question about your club? Send it to realfootypod@theage.com.au for our hosts to answer. 

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

And if you value independent, quality journalism, please subscribe to The Age today.

Thanks for listening and don't forget to check out more great podcasts from The Age & SMH.

In this bonus episode, Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Peter Ryan discuss Gillon McLachlan's impending departure as CEO of the AFL. McLachlan announced on Tuesday that he would finish up at the end of the season, but has a very full agenda to tick off before he goes, including a club funding agreement that could cause some friction. We discuss his legacy at the league, particularly launching AFLW; his strengths and how they helped him lead the competition through COVID-19; and how his handling of Adam Goodes' situation highlighted his weaknesses. Plus, who might succeed him in the role and what the future might hold for McLachlan himself.
Read about <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/gillon-mclachlan-to-leave-afl-ceo-role-20220412-p5acu7.html">Gillon McLachlan's departure.</a>
Read about <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/who-takes-over-from-mclachlan-the-main-contenders-20220412-p5acur.html">the contenders to replace him.</a>
Read about <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/mclachlan-impossible-to-replace-as-successor-issued-a-frank-warning-20220412-p5acwm.html">the reaction to the CEO's departure.</a>
Got a question about your club? Send it to <a href="mailto:realfootypod@theage.com.au" data-stringify-link="mailto:realfootypod@theage.com.au" data-sk="tooltip_parent">realfootypod@theage.com.au</a> for our hosts to answer. 
Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/agerealfooty">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/agerealfooty/">Facebook.</a>
And if you value independent, quality journalism, please subscribe to <a href="https://subscribe.theage.com.au/">The Age</a> today.
Thanks for listening and don't forget to check out <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/artist/the-age-and-sydney-morning-herald/1458168652">more great podcasts from The Age &amp; SMH.</a>

The best footy writers from The Age and Sydney Morning Herald bring you the weekly lowdown on all things AFL.

If you like the pod, please take the time to rate & review us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. We love to hear from you and it makes it easier for the rest of the podcast world to find us.

And, why not become a subscriber? Our supporters power our newsrooms and are critical for the sustainability of news coverage. Becoming a subscriber also gets you exclusive behind-the-scenes content and invitations to special events. Click on the links to subscribe https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ or https://subscribe.smh.com.au/

The best footy writers from The Age and Sydney Morning Herald bring you the weekly lowdown on all things AFL.
If you like the pod, please take the time to rate &amp; review us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. We love to hear from you and it makes it easier for the rest of the podcast world to find us.
And, why not become a subscriber? Our supporters power our newsrooms and are critical for the sustainability of news coverage. Becoming a subscriber also gets you exclusive behind-the-scenes content and invitations to special events. Click on the links to subscribe <a href="https://subscribe.theage.com.au/">https://subscribe.theage.com.au/</a> or <a href="https://subscribe.smh.com.au/">https://subscribe.smh.com.au/</a>

News, analysis and insight on the AFL from The Age sports team.