With the unprecedented growth of Australian rules football in Queensland and to help underpin the future of the game across the state, the AFL has launched the Queensland Strategic Advisory Group.
The group, comprising experienced business leaders from inside and outside the industry, will provide strategic support and guidance to the AFL and AFL Queensland on the implementation and delivery of the strategy to grow and develop the game.
A Strategic Advisory Group has also been set up to support the game in NSW/ACT. The groups will strengthen the collaboration between industry partners and help to unlock opportunities to accelerate the growth and development of participants and fans of the game in the region.
Building on the AFL’s commitment to the long-term success of the game at all levels in the northern markets, including significant investment in game development, the groups will focus on providing strategic advice and playing an advisory role on AFL priorities relevant to their markets.
With more than three decades of experience in the AFL, Dean Warren will be the Group’s Inaugural Chair.
Head of AFL Queensland Trisha Squires said the Queensland Strategic Advisory Group will play an important role in securing the future of Australian rules football in Queensland.
“We’re proud of our record participation growth in Queensland, and the development of the Advisory Group highlights the commitment we have to growing the game across the state,” she said.
“The Group is reflective of the importance of delivering engaging programs and experiences across NAB AFL Auskick to senior football, as well as the integration with the elite AFL and AFLW clubs, the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast SUNS, in driving awareness, knowledge, and interest in our game.
“I look forward to working as part of this group to ensure Australian rules football is Queensland’s sport of choice.”
Gold Coast SUNS CEO Mark Evans said it was a privilege to represent his club and community.
“We have an opportunity to continue the stunning growth of AFL participation in Queensland, which will in turn help ignite passionate supporters of not only the SUNS, but the Lions and the code as a whole,” Mark said.
Greg Swann, CEO of the Brisbane Lions said since moving to Brisbane a decade ago, he has witnessed first-hand the growth of the game in Queensland.
“The Lions are proud to play their role in making the game even stronger across Queensland and will continue to work with the AFL from grassroots to the elite to make this a reality,” he said.
The Queensland Strategic Advisory Group will meet three times annually with the first meeting coinciding with AFL Queensland’s Parliamentary Friends event in May.
Queensland Strategic Advisory Group Members:
- Dean Warren – Chair
- Greg Swann – CEO, Brisbane Lions
- Mark Evans – CEO, Gold Coast SUNS
- Trisha Squires – Head of AFL Queensland
- Jo Butland – Hall of Fame QLD and Asst Regional Sports Officer, Peninsula School Sport
- Tom Hickey – Director, Business Development Brisbane 2032
- Katriina Heikkanen – Indigenous Business Services Manager, GHD
- Rob Auld – Executive General Manager, Game Development, AFL
- Kylie Rogers – Executive General Manager Customer and Commercial, AFL
- James Ellender – Head of Fandom NSW/QLD, AFL
