Josh Frydenberg Is Being Tipped As The Next AFL CEO After Losing Shot At PM
Trading political footballs for actual footballs.
Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg may have lost his chance at being the next leader of the country, but there’s a red hot chance he could be the next leader of the country’s favourite sport: the AFL.
Frydenberg, who recently lost the formerly ultra-safe seat of Kooyong to Dr Monique Ryan at the last federal election, is reportedly in talks with the AFL to replace outgoing CEO Gillan McLachlan.
This isn’t all that surprising of a pivot for Josh, who is a diehard Carlton supporter and — last year — was made the team’s No. 1 ticket holder. But Carlton isn’t the only team he is chummy with, after enlisting the help of Western Bulldogs heartthrob Bailey ‘Bazlenka’ Smith for a political endorsement before the last election.
In a recent interview, Frydenberg confirmed he is pivoting into the private sector, but remained tight-lipped on exactly where he will land.
“All I’m saying is that I’m going into the private sector,” Frydenberg told SEN.
He repeatedly refused to rule out the possibility of taking the AFL’s most senior position when pressed in the interview.
“I’m not commenting either way on anything,” said Frydenberg.
“All I’m saying is I’m looking at different private sector options and I’ve got a lot of options.”
The news comes after McLachlan confirmed back in April that he would be stepping down at the end of the 2022 season.
Other potential candidates for the top job include Richmond CEO Brendon Gale and the AFL’s current head of finance, clubs, and broadcasting Travis Auld — both of whom have tangible experience in the field.
Frydenberg does, however, have a history in sport, having played professional tennis in Australia and Europe. Professionally, he also worked as an investment banker prior to entering politics.
Junkee has reached out to the AFL for comment.