The AFL and Tasmanian Government are pleased to announce that Grant O’Brien has been appointed as the Inaugural Chair of the Tasmanian AFL Club.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the appointment is another significant milestone for our own Tasmanian AFL team.
“Our Government is committed to setting our AFL team up for success, and it is essential that the club has strong leadership, sound governance and strategic oversight,” Premier Rockliff said.
“Grant is a Tasmanian through and through and comes highly regarded with a strong football pedigree.
“He has been on the journey with us for some time now as a member of the Tasmanian AFL Taskforce, and I couldn’t be more pleased that he will take on this significant role.
“Congratulations to Grant on his historic appointment, and I look forward to working with him as we draw closer to making history and seeing our own Tasmanian team run into the field for the first time in the years ahead.”
AFL CEO, Gillon McLachlan, said the appointment of a chairperson at an AFL football club is one of the most important decisions in the success of any club.
“Grant O’Brien is the perfect choice to fulfill this role as the clubs inaugural Chair. A Tasmanian born and bred footballer and business leader who will lead and guide the formation of this club and the creation of AFL and AFLW teams”.
“There is no doubt the momentum around a Tasmanian team is growing, and today is another huge step forward for the club. Playing in Tasmania. Representing Tasmania.”
Incoming Chair of the Tasmanian AFL Football Club, Grant O’Brien said he couldn’t be more excited or humbled to be asked to be the inaugural club Chair.
“I’m determined to lead a Board that will be focussed on establishing a club with a set of values that Tasmanians will be proud to stand behind,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Getting the Board established is a priority and my aim is to have that agreed and in place by the end of August.
“To ensure proper governance, a Nominations Committee has been established to assist with the process of selecting suitable directors for our skills-based Establishment Board.
“Most importantly, we’ll be commencing a program to inform and involve Tasmanians as often as we can.
“This is Tasmania’s team, and we want to hear from Tasmanians – starting with our club name, brand and colours.”
The Nominations Committee will comprise:
- Grant O’Brien (Chair);
- Andrew Dillon – AFL CEO Elect, AFL General Counsel;
- Peggy O’Neal – Chancellor RMIT, Former President Richmond FC, Corporate Lawyer, Governance expert;
- Liz Jack – Former Olympian and Director of the Tasmanian Institute of Sport. Executive Director – Keeping Children Safe; and
Errol Stewart – Managing Director at JMC Automotive Group P/L, Tasmanian AFL Taskforce member.
