Mike Sheahan says there’s an expectation that Gillon McLachlan will step aside from his position as AFL CEO at the conclusion of next year.
McLachlan replaced Andrew Demetriou as the league's CEO in April 2014 and is understood to be contracted until the end of 2020.
The veteran AFL journalist expects Richmond CEO Brendon Gale to replace the incumbent AFL boss.
When posed the question regarding McLachlan’s successor on SEN Breakfast, Sheahan replied: “Probably Brendon Gale … but you won’t know what the commission are thinking on this front.
“I think there’s an expectation that at the end of next year, he would move on.
“I don’t think there’s anyone in AFL House at the moment that would succeed Gillon.”
Sheahan was critical of McLachlan’s leadership style, urging him to be more direct in his communictation when addressing pressing issues within the game.
“Gillon seems to me to be governing by delegation. He needs to be like his predecessors were," he added.
“Ross Oakley and Andrew Demetriou – they handled the big issues upfront. He just handpasses around the room – I don’t think that’s good enough.”
Listen to Mike Sheahan’s chat on SEN Breakfast with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson in the player below