Minister for Sport and Recreation Stuart Ayres has congratulated Gillon McLachlan on his appointment as the new CEO of the AFL.

“We have a positive relationship with the AFL and look forward to continuing to work with them under the guidance and experience of Gill,” Mr Ayres said.

“Here in NSW, we have two great teams in the Sydney Swans and the Greater Western Sydney Giants, and Gill, along with Andrew Demetriou, demonstrated their great foresight for the future of the game by making the Giants a reality.

“Gill also brings significant experience as both a player and administrator and I’m sure that the wider Australian Football community in New South Wales will join me in welcoming him to the role.

“I would also like to place on record my sincere thanks to outgoing CEO Andrew Demetriou for his service to the game over many years, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavours,” Mr Ayres concluded.