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Andrew Demetriou will step down as AFL CEO at the end of the 2014 season, after 11 years in the position.
Demetriou made the announcement at 10am (AEDT) at a press conference at AFL house. He was glowing in his praise of the position of the game, and believes it is the right time to move on.
“I’ve always said it was a privilege and an honour to serve the game,” said Demetriou.
“I also believe the time is right.
“The growth of the game has been extraordinary.
“It’s been a wonderful journey full of challenges but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“I leave the game with no regrets,” added Demetriou.
[roargal]
This morning’s speculation was fuelled by Collingwood President, Eddie McGuire, who alluded to the the resignation on Triple M’s morning show.
McGuire was full of praise for Demetriou, stating that he would “sorely missed.”
Demetriou has held the position as head of the AFL for more than ten years, during a time that has seen the league expand in size, popularity, and profitability.
However, the AFL’s handling of the supplements saga over the past year has been a source of much criticism.
The announcement comes on the eve of the 2014 season and following the release of further reports in relation to the ASADA supplements saga.
Demetriou says he hopes the last year will not affect his legacy as one of the best administrators of the game.
“That will be for others to judge,” said Demetriou.
“Hopefully people won’t take a snapshot of one point in time.
“Everything at the AFL has been done as a collective.
“We’ve achieved so much of what we’ve done as a collective. It will be for others to judge (whether I’ve done a good job).”
“We (Demetriou and Fitzpatrick) were both concerned about sport science a couple of years ago,” he said.
“Whether we could’ve acted earlier .. we just weren’t in a position there. There was enough hearsay to have us worried.
“The AFL has done all it can do in this situation. I’m proud of how we acted last year.
“We’ve enhanced the anti-doping code. What happens thereafter is in (anti-doping agency) ASADA’s hands. We are well equipped with any issue going forward.”
Over the weekend the Herald Sun published the names of ten current players who are all alleged to have taken prohibited substances.
A very emotional but impressive Andrew Demetriou at his press conference. The consumate professional.
— Daniel Lonergan (@daniellonergan) March 2, 2014
Will we have to refer to next AFL season as 2015 AD (after Demetriou)?
— Andrew Condon (@_condo) March 3, 2014
Will his announcement affect the value of this? #Demetriou #AFL pic.twitter.com/rmHuv72qfe
— Michael Chamberlin (@ChamberlinM) March 2, 2014
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