As a player and administrator, Mike Fitzpatrick has made an enormous contribution to the great game of AFL.
I would like to thank him for the commitment, passion and energy which he injected into this work as AFL Commission Chairman.
Serving for over 10 years as Chairman of the Commission, Mike has contributed immensely to the success of the code and his work has inspired thousands of Aussie kids to get involved in the sport.
His legacy is significant but the successful launch of the AFL Women’s League is a standout, waking a sleeping giant which the entire community is now behind.
This will now mean that girls who grow up playing and supporting AFL will have the same opportunities as boys and could one day be playing at an elite level.
I congratulate and welcome incoming Chairman of the Commission, Richard Goyder, and look forward to working with him and AFL Chief Executive Officer Gillon McLachlan on continuing the work of Mike Fitzpatrick.
I wish Mike all the best for a long and enjoyable retirement – it is very well deserved.
(ENDS)