"But had he been misunderstood? [16], In April 2014, it was announced that Gillon McLachlan, Demetriou's then deputy, would be his successor. Join 1.7 Million Subscribers His best season was 1983, playing 23 of a possible 24 games, the club's campaign ending with a thumping in the preliminary final. It's based in northern Italy. He speaks with his chin down, dark eyes watchful behind his rimless glasses. Demetriou now has four children - twin girls born two days after he took on the CEO role, the Monday after the 2003 grand final, another daughter born in 2007, and a little boy born in 2009. [9], In the first half of 2005, Demetriou criticised the Sydney Swans and then-coach Paul Roos, labelling the team's play as "unattractive" and "ugly". And all I know (about) what we did was as a game (we) always put the players first to protect the integrity of the game., When pressed later about his own level of culpability Demetriou was firmer: I do not accept any responsibility for people who seek to infiltrate the game, who inject young men with god knows what substances, to introduce substances which are abhorrent to the game and to families.. USER IS NOT PERMITTED TO DOWNLOAD OR USE IMAGE WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL. The AFL is debt-free and soon will have "squirrelled away" a $50-million contingency.Overall, the league is unrecognisable as the once-bereft and bankrupt Victorian competition of 1985, the year the 12 original clubs handed control to an independent commission. "No disrespect to Andrew, but I don't think that's really his area of expertise," she laughs. There's a world demand for false teeth, even in recessions." He has treated us fairly and with respect and I admire that. Two years later, Demetriou had begun to learn his lesson. In 2008, Demetriou earned an annual salary of $1.4 million, making him the highest paid administrator or player then employed by the AFL. ", "He's exceptionally adept with figures," adds James Demetriou. Andrew and Symone Demetriou moved there 18 months ago from Hawthorn, into a two-storey 1930s home with lap pool, cellar and five-car garage, essentially to be nearer their daughters' school. In 2005 Demetriou criticised the Sydney Swans and then-coach Paul Roos, labelling the team's play as "unattractive" and "ugly". I'm very optimistic about what's going to happen in greater western Sydney, very optimistic. No, declared Demetriou, because Ill tell you what I didnt do - I never injected anyone. In his role as head of the AFL Commission, he was responsible for a number of changes, including the expansion of the league from 16 to 18 teams, the restructuring of the tribunal system, and the brokering of two new television rights deals. The AFL chief executive, whose successor could be named as early as May, has declared a wish to serve out the 2014 football season, demanded and received great loyalty from his staff who became emboldened themselves by a leader they regarded as fearless. He might be just a very good actor, but I don't think he's addicted to the clout he has - I'm sure he likes it, and I'm sure he likes winning and doesn't like losing. But I always had my eye on other things. ", He probably should have got into the Victorian cricket side, too - he was playing in the Victorian and Australian under-21 sides at 16 - but in those days, as his long-time friend and AFL medical commissioner Dr Harry Unglik puts it, "who had ever heard of a Demetriou in the Australian cricket team?". Andrew is currently non Executive Director of Crown Resorts, Chairman of Capital Health Group and Cox Architects and sits on the Australian Reconciliation Council. Country: Australia. He later would be involved in another business, the Baxter Group, which he took from a market capitalisation of $40 million in 2003 to a sale in 2006 for $260 million. Yes," says his head of communications, Brian Walsh, grinning. We don't own this game. "I've said from day one I regard it as a privilege to be in the role; I love the job, but I'm sensible enough to know one day it will come to an end.". Jennifer bodymeasurement and social media presence. He has wide interests outside the AFL. "Normally, Jan's acknowledgments were succinct, formal and scrupulously alphabetical," explained her friend Peter Rose, "but this time there was a new note - a kind of relaxation - and a deliberate tribute to her second husband. "Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Pennant Hills: it's an upper-middle-class socio-economic group they want. just moments after touching on the death of his first wife. In 2011, Demetriou was involved in securing a record breaking A$1.25 billion TV rights deal for the period of 20122016. I want that for all who work for the AFL. In those days it was quite humorous, and in a bizarre way acceptable: 'Oh well, wog, dago, they don't really know what they're talking about.' Demetriou is not one of them. I want equality of opportunity. "He was absolutely a source of help and advice.". Beyond this foundation, the brothers' childhoods combined both genuine acceptance and deep-rooted racism. They never saw their mothers after they left. "Every dollar that goes to the GWS, that's a dollar less to the existing clubs or players.". But as the code that stands to lose the most, not only in terms of money but in historic heartland support, privately there's both frustration and cynicism within the NRL's ranks. They now have four children, Alexandra, Francesca, Mattea and Sacha and they were at the media conference with Symone as well as other family members. I played golf once three or four years ago, and when I got home after six hours " - he pauses, smiling - "no, no. But there's something about his knees, as if he were once pigeon-toed, or injured in some way, that makes him kick out his feet as he walks. ", "Andrew Demetriou," wrote Bassett, "has taught me much about life.". Ex-AFL boss Andrew Demetriou makes humiliating exit from Crown board along with the CEO as James Packer's embattled gaming empire makes desperate bid to reverse ban on opening its new Sydney. More importantly, they're great institutions for the community and economy in this state.". But should his long-serving deputy, who knocked back the NRL job in early 2013, fail to succeed him then McLachlan too would leave. Andrew Demetriou (born 14 April 1961) is an Australian businessman, sports administrator, and former Australian rules football player who was chief executive officer (CEO) of the Australian Football League (AFL) up to June 2014. The game is certainly more dominant and far wealthier than when he took over and, according to his chairman, he has given the game a conscience. And because of where the new AFL teams are based, who will play in them and how the money will flow, the most serious impacts are almost certain to be felt by AFL's main competitor for fans, players and cash: the National Rugby League. She has $200 thousand as her net worth from her career as professional florist. It's the largest multicultural area in Australia. There has been much talk of the $200-million war chest that will fund the expansion, and those on the inside say it will take all this and more. ", "Hmmm. [14] Sydney won the 2012 premiership implementing a style of relentless tackling and attacking play. "Just the way he's championed the cause of women in general and other initiatives here. Andrew Demetriou (born 14 April 1961) is an Australian businessman, sports administrator, and former Australian rules football player who was chief executive officer (CEO) of the Australian Football League (AFL) up to June 2014. "Although he might find himself tethered to his Blackberry, Demetriou more often than not walks through the front door at 5.30pm and rolls up the sleeves when needed. "Yep, she let her guard down there!" Andrew Demetriou gives evidence at the NSW casino inquiry on Tuesday. Andrew Demetriou knows about people yelling abuse at the footy. First Name Andrew. [citation needed], Between 1998 and 2000, Demetriou was CEO of the AFL Players Association. "I don't think the AFL has the slightest interest in the community of western Sydney," says Roy Masters. Or, as he would put it, giving people options. "It's hard at times," admits Symone. Andrew Demetriou at Monday's announcement. "I think anyone who has strong views about things and seeks by dint of their own strength of personality to force things through, always runs the risk of alienating people," observes Sydney Swans president Richard Collis. "But you have to say it's very hard for any detractors to mount a really substantive case given the progress that's been made on his watch You'd have to say that at this stage the AFL is in better shape than any other football code in the country. [19][20] Acquire Learning entered voluntary administration in May 2017, shortly after Demetriou left the company. I'm the little chairman. . There will be a bit of talk about the next season. He's not intimidated by power, perhaps because he enjoys it too much, perhaps he knows the truth about bullies. He has the air, sometimes seen in confident people, of not needing to charm you. Now in his sixth year at the helm, the 48-year-old youngest son of Greek Cypriot migrants who was raised in a Coburg fish-and-chip shop, appears to be at the top of his game. "Andrew Demetriou's first appointment to the Australian Football League hierarchy in May 2000 was characterised as a case of poacher-turned-gamekeeper. If I hadn't had footy this year, it would have been a lot worse. In common with other older, poorer clubs, Richmond will suffer from the wealth of talented young players (usually allocated to clubs via the annual draft) and financial support being channelled into the new clubs. "It wasn't whim. And we adopted an attitude of making the most of every day and every hour. The Demetriou boys regularly drop by and the commitment to family and to one another remains strong. [18], Demetriou had a regular spot with Red Symons on Melbourne radio station ABC 774. His parents, Tony and Chrysi, met in the early 1950s, married and opened Tony's Fish and Chip shop in Melbourne's Pascoe Vale South. Demetriou's first wife died in 1999. He still has this quality of que sera sera effortlessness, say those close to him. Chief executive Andrew Demetriou is kissed by his wife Symone during an AFL press conference at AFL House on March 3, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia.. He was awarded the University's Distinguished Alumni Award in 2009 and a Doctor of Letters (honoris causa) in 2015 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to sport management and to Australian society through his leadership and support of important social issues, and currently serves as an Adjunct Professor. The new general manager of football operations was stunned, to say the least. They met for dinner, got talking and soon the Demetrious had taken a one-third interest in the fledgling business. Demetriou was made CEO of the AFL in 2003, replacing Wayne Jackson. The game will need all the money it can get. Crown director Andrew Demetriou becomes the third board member to resign from the gaming giant but claims the NSW gaming authority's comments about him are "unfair and unjust". Even his generally unemotional chairman Mike Fitzpatrick wiped away something resembling a tear at that point. As the AFL's most visible symbol, it can also be convenient to hate Andrew Demetriou. The western Sydney move is a brave one; we're all looking at that with great interest.". I used to go to the races. When I bring up this dedication, Demetriou smiles - a big smile, perhaps the first of the interview. According to court documents obtained by Us Weekly, Mackenzie filed for divorce on Monday . It was the first public example of his negotiating skill. noted some who passed including his first wife Jan and heaped love on his wife and four kids. He convinced the Players' Association to accept random testing for illicit drugs, not just performance-enhancing ones, something that is rare in sporting codes the world over, and unheard of in most professions. ", "But it's completely unacceptable today. Demetriou has been a remarkable leader of Australias greatest and most successful football code. [8] North Melbourne rejected that offer and, in January 2008, the AFL chairman, Mike Fitzpatrick and Demetriou announced that the Gold Coast Football Club would enter the AFL in 2011. [1], Before becoming a VFL player, he worked in the dental import industry. Correction: CLARIFICATION A profile of AFL boss Andrew Demetriou published yesterday in The Age (Melbourne) Magazine referred to the 1998 AFL players' deal as the first collective agreement struck on their behalf. Andrew Demetriou, the million-dollar boss of Australia's dominant sports code, joins his fellow board members around the table once a month. But on the advice of medical experts he incorporated a three-strikes policy that puts player welfare ahead of the urge to "name and shame" offenders, and subsequently got belted by political leaders who reckoned it was lax.He doesn't care. "With a chuckle, he continues: "I have to say, that board meeting takes longer than the meetings of other boards that I've been on they're talking about different designs, the manufacturers in India, what colours we should do. 1998 Between 1998 and 2000, Demetriou was CEO of the AFL Players Association. Put it this way, says footy's head honcho of his current circumstances, "I've learnt more about baby wear than I thought I ever would. Its leafy luxury contrasts sharply with the suburban landscape of postcode 3058. Andrew finished his tenure with the AFL in June. [4], In 2009, Demetriou earned $1.8 million for his role at the AFL. Andrew Demetriou's net worth "We've had some differences and clashes over years. It was that meeting that convinced Karmichael that he should move to AFL.". There's been speculation before, most famously when the now-defunct Bulletin magazine declared in late 2007 that he was about to pull the pin to spend more time with his family, even retreat to a holiday home on Italy's Lake Como. "I got a kick, which helps," he laughs. They've just gone to Blacktown because they think they can get some money from the government.". On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. To do what? His first wife died in 1999. "Not with four children, no. "You've got to give it to her, she's a consistent performer. "I think - and I'm sure Andrew knows this - that GWS is the biggest challenge by far that the AFL has ever bitten off. But he also likes happiness.". No one knows what Demetriou will do next, least of all Demetriou. And because he was so good at both footy and cricket, that probably aggravated some people: 'How come you're better than us, you bloody wog?' People think he's a bit of a dealmaker, but he's massively respected in terms of making money for the game.". Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. A month after the ex-AFL chief and former Crown Melbourne chairman gave a televised public lesson in October in how . The deal included unprecedented live TV coverage of the AFL competition in all states of Australia through free-to-air, subscription and IP television. Now, as the AFL's chief, with salary and bonus exceeding $1.5 million last year, he is the driver of the AFL Commission's greater ambition for 17th and 18th teams - for the Gold Coast (from 2011) and Sydney's sprawling west (a year later). He was at his best when he was under the most stress and duress.". He's also almost tripled the AFL's annual turnover, partly via a record-breaking $780-million media rights deal in 2006. Symone will have brought home Who or New Weekly and the next thing I'm reading about who Lindsay Lohan's slept with and whatever. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. In April 2014, it was announced that Gillon McLachlan, Demetriou's then deputy, would be his successor. But it's not all beer and skittles. He seems relaxed but self-possessed, friendly but not confiding. It is well known, of course, that in a country already saturated by four national football competitions, giving people options in a new place means taking them from an old one. Jokes about people's mothers hurt people!". "I think the task is absolutely massive," says Ireland. "But what I do know is that in greater western Sydney, there are 220 different ethnic groups, 220 languages spoken and 180,000 indigenous people. The comic wore a white tuxedo with a matching black tie. JANE BALLANTYNE It had got a lot easier by the time Andrew went through - his cohort was that big '60s influx of migrants - but I know he copped it on the footy field. "Andy Demetriou" redirects here. Just quietly: Andrew Demetriou has lost another gig. Her sense of humanity, and my father's too, they were very generous and were always looking for the good in people. The couple tied the wedding knot in November 2021, a year after their engagement. And, of course, it was Symone. Director, Commercial. Discover Andrew Demetriou's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Sydney won the 2012 premiership implementing a style of relentless tackling and attacking play. Have views on everything. "He's a boy from Cypriot parents who used to muck around in the backblocks of Coburg, and I think he's a very driven man.". "It's either that or Andy," says Symone. When he told his children on Sunday night he was stepping down their first question was whether they could still go to the football. "You can't be around for 100-plus years and not be a resilient code," he continues. "Andrew plays the great game at all times," his friend Red Symons once said. [3] He was elected by the board of directors at the end of the 2003 season, taking over from the outgoing CEO Wayne Jackson. And the caption said something like: 'That's what it takes'. "The Sydney Swans went there in 1981. Aug 2020 - Present2 years 7 months. Please try again later. He suffered heartbreak a decade ago when his first wife, the academic and historian Jan Bassett, died of cancer, but today Andrew Demetriou's life seems very much on an even keel. Then there's a long silence, during which he appears to be considering weighty matters of national significance. You've got to make sure that you leave the game in better shape than when you borrowed it." 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