Veteran journalist Caroline Wilson has shed light on the recent decision by the AFL to demote Laura Kane from her position overseeing key areas such as umpiring and rule changes, a move Wilson describes as “bloodletting”. Effective from June, the AFL announced that a new head of football would be appointed, while Kane would retain her duties related to game day logistics and the AFLW and VFL competitions.
This organisational shift follows a turbulent period for the AFL, highlighted by a controversial incident involving Lachie Schultz’s concussion and multiple statements that struggled to clarify the situation. Wilson remarked that Kane, though a capable operator, may have risen to a challenging position too quickly and described her as “stubborn”.
Critically, Wilson noted that Kane had been performing well under previous management but took on too many responsibilities after being promoted. While acknowledging her effectiveness, Wilson argued that Kane’s desire to manage additional areas created issues, and suggested she would have benefited from a strong second-in-command—a position that Kane appeared reluctant to fill adequately.
Wilson believes that Kane’s demotion is not solely her fault, highlighting a wider dysfunction within the AFL’s executive team since Gillon McLachlan’s departure as CEO. She pointed out that other executives have made poor decisions that contributed to the turmoil affecting clubs and the league overall. These ongoing problems have fuelled frustration within the AFL.
The decision to demote Kane, a woman previously elevated to her role, was sensitive and could be perceived negatively. Nevertheless, Wilson asserts that it was a necessary step for the AFL, emphasizing that the move, while complicated, had to happen for the overall health of the organisation.
Furthermore, the AFL is currently seeking a deputy to support Andrew Dillon, and Wilson strongly advocates for Tom Harley from the Sydney Swans as an ideal candidate for the chief operating officer position. She remarked that hiring Harley would improve governance and create the much-needed succession planning at the AFL.
In conclusion, while Wilson acknowledges Kane’s shortcomings, she places the blame for the current state of affairs with broader issues within the AFL’s governance and leadership, suggesting the need for systemic changes to restore stability.