Eddie McGuire’s Surprise Choice for AFL Role: ‘Give Him What He Deserves’

Eddie McGuire is convinced that South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas is ideally suited to take on the role of the next AFL chairman.

Richard Goyder has held the position since succeeding Mike Fitzpatrick in 2017. While it’s anticipated that Goyder could continue for a few more years, McGuire argues that Malinauskas is the prime candidate for the role and is encouraging the AFL to pursue him vigorously.

The Premier has been instrumental in the success of the Gather Round event, a testament to his commitment to enhancing South Australia’s profile in the sporting arena, which was once again highlighted with the event’s triumph over the weekend.

Malinauskas has shown a genuine enthusiasm for sports, successfully attracting not only the AFL’s Gather Round, but also LIV Golf and the NRL’s State of Origin events to South Australia in 2023.

McGuire not only sees Malinauskas as the ideal candidate but also advocates for the position to become a well-compensated role.

“I’ve reached the conclusion that the AFL chairman role should come with proper remuneration,” he remarked on Nine’s Eddie and Jimmy Podcast.

“Gone are the days of the volunteer amateur; there’s simply too much at stake now, and it deserves to be a properly paid position.

“I would strongly advocate for Peter Malinauskas to take on the chairman’s role. He may have to choose between this position and the potential of being Prime Minister of Australia.”

“I’ve had considerable interactions with him over the past three years.”

“If I were in the AFL’s shoes, I wouldn’t just look for the best available; I’d seek out the best outright. I’d advocate for paying him whatever he would require to take on the chairman’s duties, as he would undoubtedly be the finest candidate.”

Former Collingwood president McGuire was particularly impressed with Malinauskas’ appreciation of the game, notably his stance on not wanting to extend Gather Round further than its current format, a sentiment that contradicts Port Adelaide chairman David Koch’s suggestion to expand it.

“Typically, there’s a risk in the AFL of overextending,” he commented.

“Politicians often take things too far, thus tarnishing the experience. He was quite firm in his view that the event works exceptionally well as it stands.”

McGuire doesn’t perceive any urgency for an immediate changeover, believing Goyder can oversee another three seasons while Malinauskas continues his duties as Premier.

“Richard Goyder is keen to serve an additional three years,” he noted.

“I reckon the timing could be excellent if everything falls into place.

“The only hitch is he might have ambitions for the Prime Minister’s office.”