Hamish McLachlan Hosts Andrew Dillon on Unfiltered: AFL CEO Discusses Future of Australian Football

Channel 7 and 7plus viewers will have the opportunity to hear directly from Andrew Dillon, the current CEO of the Australian Football League, as he appears on the popular interview programme Unfiltered, hosted by veteran broadcaster Hamish McLachlan. The episode offers an exclusive insight into one of the most scrutinised roles in Australian sports administration, with Dillon revealing how he navigates the constant pressure of leading the nation's most popular football code.

McLachlan, who has become a familiar face across Channel 7's AFL coverage, has established himself as one of Australia's most respected sports presenters. Alongside his hosting duties on Unfiltered, McLachlan serves as a caller and expert analyst for the network's regular AFL broadcasts, bringing considerable credibility to his interviews through his deep knowledge of the sport. His role as host of this episode positions him well to extract meaningful commentary from Dillon about the challenges facing Australian football.

Dillon assumed the position of AFL CEO in October 2023, succeeding Gillon McLachlan, who had led the organisation for nine years following 23 years at the league in various capacities. Despite the considerable shoes to fill—McLachlan navigated the league through the unprecedented financial crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic—Dillon has received a favourable reception in his opening years. His appointment was well-regarded both internally and among clubs, largely due to his strong football background and legal expertise accumulated during his tenure at the AFL since 2000. Dillon is himself an accomplished former footballer, having played six premierships with Old Xaverians in amateur football and represented Victoria at state level.

The Unfiltered episode explores Dillon's management of the constant scrutiny that comes with the role, a burden he acknowledges but refuses to allow to dictate his decision-making. Perhaps most significantly, Dillon has outlined his principal concern for the sport's future: ensuring that Australians continue to love Australian football with the same passion they currently demonstrate. He has emphasised that decisions made in the present era may have lasting implications for the game's popularity across the next two to three decades.

The conversation also addresses the AFL's international expansion ambitions. Dillon has indicated that whilst the league must explore opportunities beyond Australia's borders—particularly given the increasing globalisation of sport and the success of international codes in the Australian market—the primary focus remains on consolidating growth within Australia itself. He has highlighted untapped potential in western Melbourne, New South Wales, and Queensland as areas requiring sustained investment before pursuing aggressive overseas ventures.

Additional topics discussed in the episode include the success and planned return of AFL Origin, strategies to ensure the sport continues to evolve and maintain engagement among Australian audiences, and whether modifications to the season's length are being considered. Dillon has also reflected on his own football journey and the factors that have cultivated his lifelong passion for the sport, offering viewers a more personal perspective on the man now steering Australian football's future. For those seeking comprehensive coverage of AFL news and analysis, the official AFL website provides regular updates on competition schedules and broadcasting information.

Article generated: 11 March 2026, 11:11 GMT