Essendon will have representation on the AFL Competition Committee for the first time, with general manager of football Josh Mahoney among eight people from the wider football industry who will join the panel in August.
Established in 2018, the Committee plays an important role in assisting the AFL Executive and Commission with its deliberations relating to the present and future state of the game.
The Committee is utilised to make assessments, canvass views, test theories and provide comments and recommendations regarding the AFL competition to the AFL Commission - the independent body charged with the ultimate decision-making for all elements of Australian Football.
AFL executive manager of football operations Andrew Dillon welcomed Mahoney and the other new members of the Committee.
"I welcome each new member of the AFL Competition Committee and look forward to their perspectives as representatives across many areas of the game,” Dillon said.
“Through each addition, we are seeking to ensure a diversity of views and find a balance of representation across players, coaches, club administrators and game officials from a range of backgrounds and geographic locations, who are all experienced football personnel.
“Simone Wilkie will represent the AFL Commission while Kylie Watson-Wheeler (Western Bulldogs) and Simon Garlick (Fremantle) will provide valuable contributions as a club president and club CEO respectively.
“Josh Mahoney (Essendon) and Alan Richardson (Melbourne) currently manage AFL football programs and will provide valuable insights while Laura Kane (North Melbourne), who has recently departed the AFLW Competition Committee, adds a broad skillset having worked closely with and balanced men’s and women’s programs.
“Brett Ratten (St Kilda) will add the perspective of a current head coach and Jacob Weitering’s (Carlton) unique insights as a player will be of great value to the Committee.
“I look forward to this group playing a role in advancing the game while protecting its heritage.”
Mahoney, who is serving his first season at Essendon after heading up Melbourne's football department for eight years, will be part of the Committee's next meeting on August 25.
“Over the course of the 2021 season, we have sought to gather as much information, data and ideas as possible ahead of this meeting," Dillon said.
“The agenda for the August meeting of the Committee will see discussion on a range of areas including fixturing, game analysis and the Industry Workforce Model.”
Departing AFL Competition Committee members:
Jason Ball – former AFL commissioner
Steve Hocking – former AFL EGM football operations and committee chair
Colin Carter – former Geelong Cats president
Eddie McGuire – former Collingwood president
Andrew Fagan – former Adelaide Crows CEO
New AFL Competition Committee members:
Simone Wilkie – AFL commissioner
Kylie Watson-Wheeler – Western Bulldogs president
Simon Garlick – Fremantle CEO
Josh Mahoney – Essendon GM of football
Alan Richardson – Melbourne GM of football
Laura Kane – North Melbourne GM of strategy and football operations
Brett Ratten – St Kilda head coach
Jacob Weitering – Carlton player
The 2021 AFL Competition Committee:
Simone Wilkie (AFL), Andrew Dillon (AFL), Kylie Rogers (AFL), Peggy O’Neal (Richmond), Andrew Ireland (Sydney Swans), Kylie Watson-Wheeler (Western Bulldogs), Justin Reeves (Hawthorn), Simon Garlick (Fremantle), Chris Davies (Port Adelaide), Craig Vozzo (West Coast Eagles), Josh Mahoney (Essendon), Laura Kane (North Melbourne), Alan Richardson (Melbourne), Chris Fagan (Brisbane Lions), Brett Ratten (St Kilda), Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong Cats), Stephen Coniglio (GWS GIANTS), Jacob Weitering (Carlton), Brett Murphy (AFLPA), Nicole Livingstone (AFL GM of women's football), Rob Auld (GM of AFL competitions).
