Latest news with #AmeetBains
News.com.au
08-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Fremantle v Collingwood AFL Round 9: Live updates, SuperCoach scores, teams
Fremantle chief executive Simon Garlick has confirmed he has spoken to AFL boss Andrew Dillon about the league's chief operating officer role, with a price tag of well over $1 million available for the new appointee. But family circumstances for both Garlick and Sydney chief executive Tom Harley will make it hard for both of them to shift back to Melbourne if they did eventually secure the role. Garlick, Harley and Western Bulldogs chief executive Ameet Bains are all considered chief candidates for the position, despite Garlick and Bains both publicly distancing themselves from any interest. MCC boss Stuart Fox was initially contacted by the AFL but made clear he was happy in his current role. Garlick said he had unfinished business at Fremantle and has a child about to enter Year 12 next year. But it is understood he is considering the role and within the AFL industry is considered the favourite. The league would ideally want to interview all three contenders – and potentially other left-field candidates – and with club chief executives making up to $1 million the job would come with a hefty pay rise from that figure. It is understood with Dillon and the AFL Commission determined to secure a heavy hitter there is a budget there to pay the successful candidate whatever it would take to shift them from their current role. But the league has made clear that while the COO position has a huge portfolio of exciting responsibilities there is no guarantee that administrator will be the league's new chief executive after Dillon. Dillon made clear to confidantes when appointed he would not be in the role for a decade but the 54-year-old is only 18 months into the job so in no rush to move on. It means anyone who wanted the job, which takes in key AFL projects, relationships with clubs and initiatives like Gather Round and Opening Round, would have to do it for the role itself rather than with a guarantee of future promotion. Harley and wife Felicity are well entrenched in Sydney with young children but it remains to be seen if a new AFL chief operating officer could perform the role from New South Wales. Former Dogs player and CEO Garlick is also loving the move to Perth. Bains might believe remaining with the Dogs – who have a huge premiership window ahead and a new Whitten Oval development just completed – would put him in a better position to one day succeed Dillon than coming into AFL House. Garlick has strong support from AFL commission boss Richard Goyder and a strong friendship with Dillon but told ABC Radio he hadn't put his hat in the ring when the AFL asked for applicants. 'Look, I couldn't be happier both professionally and personally. My family couldn't have settled better in Perth. It's five years now, it's an unbelievable place to live. 'So even on a personal front it would be a significant wrench. 'I understand the question given I am from (Melbourne). I haven't spoken to 'Dills', he has spoken to me about the role and it's a fantastic role. 'Timing is important in life. I also happen to have fallen in love with the footy club I am working for. My wife and kids have settled in unbelievably well.' '(Fremantle) hasn't had the success it would desire but it's a club that has unbelievable stories and richness and footy heritage and we are focused on trying to do something really special so that's where my complete focus is.' Bains also sidestepped AFL interest in a recent interview on SEN Radio. 'Look, it's obviously an exciting opportunity for the right candidate but right now I am focused on leading the Bulldogs and dealing with the issues we have discussed. There is a lot going on at our end and that is occupying my thoughts and time.'
The Guardian
17-03-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Western Bulldogs revive Footscray moniker for centenary game
The Western Bulldogs will revert to their old name of Footscray to mark their centenary with a match at the MCG against Collingwood on Friday, as the AFL club explores reviving their traditional identity on an annual basis. The clash is on track to break the Bulldogs' home-and-away season attendance record with more than 80,000 expected. The promotion, which includes a commemorative guernsey, leverages the triumphs and struggles of a club once believed close to folding. It will be the second time in less than a year the Bulldogs have revived their traditional moniker after celebrations last year during Retro Round to mark the 70th anniversary of the 1954 VFL premiership. Chief executive Ameet Bains said he is committed to the Western Bulldogs name, but that use of the Footscray title could become an annual marketing exercise. 'That's something that we'll talk about doing,' he said. 'I think one of the things the club has done well – and real kudos for our brand and marketing team – is the retro throwback, even going back to 2019 when we had the 30th anniversary of 'the Fightback', the way that that game was brought to life.' The club was in a perilous state in 1989 and faced a merger with Fitzroy until fans rallied to secure its survival in a response that has been celebrated as 'the Fightback'. The Bulldogs' future is now secured, and the club reported a $14.9m profit in 2024 and completed upgrades to its headquarters and training base at Whitten Oval, close to the centre of Footscray. Former captain Bob Murphy said it was an achievement for the Bulldogs to reach their centenary. 'I keep using the word 'proud' deliberately because of the the trials and how difficult it's been in various parts of the last 30 years, let alone 100 years,' he said. The club adopted the Western Bulldogs title in 1996 to became more attractive to potential fans in the growing western suburbs, although its constitution still refers to it as Footscray Football Club. Bains said the change has been successful, as reflected in the club's record membership count of more than 60,000 and growing support in Ballarat, but he understands some fans would prefer a return to the old name. 'It's taking moments like this week to really honour the past and the tradition, but also being balanced with what's important for the future strategy and growth of the club,' he said. Murphy said although there were differences of opinion on the name, Bulldogs supporters are united behind the club and its identity. 'I don't think division is the right way to look at it. [The club's identity] is a state of mind, and I say that unashamedly,' he said. 'I know that sounds a little bit sort of existential, but call it Footscray, Western Bulldogs, whatever – it's about the colours that these guys run out in every week, and it's a spiritual place of our footy club.' Murphy joked there were some things were off limits from marketers. 'Change the colours and that will cause division,' he said.
