Dillon stars at AJAX lunch
In conversation with AFL Record editor Ashley Browne, Dillon shared his vision for the AFL.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon, who took over the reigns from Gillon McLachlan last October, was the guest speaker at the 2024 AJAX President’s Lunch, attended by more than 80 people earlier this month in the David Mandie Pavilion.
In conversation with AFL Record editor Ashley Browne, Dillon shared his vision for the AFL, his lifelong passion for footy, and also reflected fondly on playing VAFA footy from 1989 to 2005, and the importance of grassroots, community footy clubs like AJAX.
Dillon played 290 games for Old Xaverians Football Club, and was one of only four players who featured in that club’s six consecutive premiership wins from 1995-2000.
When a player, he also represented the VAFA’s Victorian state team twice, he served on Old Xaverians’ board, was an assistant coach for them, and was granted life membership.
He also coached the Kew Comets Junior Girls Football Club from 2014 to 2018.
Browne told The AJN that it was one of Dillon’s first speaking engagements at a community footy club function as AFL CEO.
“Andrew was very engaging, and interesting in what he had to say, and he seemed to really enjoy being there, staying on to meet and mingle with everybody,” Browne said.
“It was a good initiative by AJAX to invite him as the guest speaker, and I think his acceptance, and willingness to give of his time, showed the regard that AJAX Footy Club has in the wider footy community.
“He also shared a few stories from his time playing for Old Xaverians, and recalled how that club had a strong but friendly on-field rivalry with AJAX at that time, and how it had great respect for the Jewish footy club.”
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