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The AFL and Tasmanian Government have announced that Grant O’Brien, the former Chief Executive of retailer Woolworths, has been appointed as the inaugural Chair of the Tasmanian AFL Club.

Advising that the appointment is a significant milestone for the planned new AFL team, Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced yesterday "our Government is committed to setting our AFL team up for success, and it is essential that the club has strong leadership, sound governance and strategic oversight.

“Grant is a Tasmanian through and through and comes highly regarded with a strong football pedigree.

“He has been on the journey with us for some time now as a member of the Tasmanian AFL Taskforce, and I couldn’t be more pleased that he will take on this significant role.

“Congratulations to Grant on his historic appointment, and I look forward to working with him as we draw closer to making history and seeing our own Tasmanian team run into the field for the first time in the years ahead."

Noting that the appointment of a Chairperson is one of the most important decisions in the success of any club, AFL Chief Executive, Gillon McLachlan added “Grant O’Brien is the perfect choice to fulfill this role as the clubs inaugural Chair. A Tasmanian born and bred footballer and business leader who will lead and guide the formation of this club and the creation of AFL and AFLW teams.

“There is no doubt the momentum around a Tasmanian team is growing, and today is another huge step forward for the club. Playing in Tasmania. Representing Tasmania.”

Looking forward to his new role, O’Brien (pictured) commented “I’m determined to lead a Board that will be focussed on establishing a club with a set of values that Tasmanians will be proud to stand behind.

“Getting the Board established is a priority and my aim is to have that agreed and in place by the end of August.

“To ensure proper governance, a Nominations Committee has been established to assist with the process of selecting suitable directors for our skills-based Establishment Board.

“Most importantly, we’ll be commencing a program to inform and involve Tasmanians as often as we can.

“This is Tasmania’s team, and we want to hear from Tasmanians - starting with our club name, brand and colours.”

The Nominations Committee comprises of:

• Grant O’Brien (Chair);
• Andrew Dillon - AFL Chief Executive elect, AFL General Counsel;
• Peggy O’Neal - Chancellor RMIT, former President Richmond FC, corporate lawyer, governance expert;
• Liz Jack -  former Olympian and Director of the Tasmanian Institute of Sport. Executive Director - Keeping Children Safe; and
• Errol Stewart - Managing Director at JMC Automotive Group P/L, Tasmanian AFL Taskforce member.

Image credit: Tourism Tasmania.

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