GIANTS Chairman Tony Shepherd released the following statement to congratulate Mike Fitzpatrick on an outstanding decade as AFL Commission Chairman. 



‘On behalf of the GIANTS I congratulate Mike Fitzpatrick on an outstanding decade as AFL Commission Chairman. I have known Mike a long time through business and through football - he was a key influence in my commitment to help establish the GIANTS. 

‘Under Mike’s leadership our game has enjoyed extraordinary growth across all areas and he leaves Australian Football in a terrific position for further advancement over the next decade.

‘Mike’s achievements during his 14 years with the AFL Commission are many, but his vision and commitment to expansion was a key driver in the establishment of the GIANTS, something our Club will never forget. Mike has always understood and supported the strategic ambitions of the GIANTS and the importance of growing the game in Western Sydney and the ACT.

‘Behind Mike’s acumen and his ability to provide clear direction at the most critical of times, lies a deep understanding and love for the game itself. From his time as a Premiership captain to historically one of the game’s most influential administrators, Mike’s legacy is absolute. We wish Mike, his wife Helen and his family the best for the future and look forward to Mike's continued involvement in the game. He will always be welcome at the GIANTS. 

‘We also congratulate Richard Goyder as the incoming AFL Commission Chairman. I have also known Richard through business and football for many years. He is an outstanding Australian and an inspired choice as the new Chairman. Richard is someone who acutely understands the importance of the AFL expansion and its future growth.

'Richard has been a fantastic AFL Commissioner for the past six years and prior to that was on the Board of the Fremantle Dockers. He has a deep understanding and love of our great game and brings vast business and organisational experience. Richard is the right  appointment as we continue to grow in an increasingly competitive and changing sporting landscape.’