The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS have welcomed the appointment of Gillon McLachlan as Chief Executive Officer of the AFL.
 
GIANTS Chief Executive David Matthews said: “I worked closely with Gill on the AFL executive for 11 years, he is an outstanding leader and person, and I congratulate him on his appointment.
 
“Gill  has been instrumental in helping to establish the GIANTS as the AFL's 18th club, in particular the redevelopment of Spotless Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park and the 10-year partnership with the ACT to play matches at StarTrack Oval Canberra.
 
“He is acutely aware of the challenges and opportunities as we collaborate to grow the GIANTS and is a great supporter of the Club.  Most importantly, he understands that the development of the game in NSW and Qld must remain a key priority for the AFL if we can lay claim to truly being the national game.
 
“One of the great strengths of our game is it’s a national competition, played in every state of Australia, with nearly half of the AFL clubs outside Victoria. But we are not yet the national game.
 
“We are committed to growing the game in Western Sydney and Canberra and look forward to continuing to work with the AFL to achieve this.
 
“I wish Gill, his wife Laura and their family all the very best.”