AFL executive salaries are ‘indefensible’: Former commissioner takes aim at head office

Former AFL commissioner Colin Carter has launched a scathing critique of the league's executive compensation structure in his newly released book, Ideas and Reflections: From Four Decades Inside the AFL Bubble. In the publication, Carter calls the current pay scale for AFL executives “indefensible,” highlighting the stark disparity between the earnings of top officials and the highest-paid players. According to Carter, the AFL chief executive earned more than $3 million annually during a period when the best-paid player earned less than $1 million. The remarks come amid growing public scrutiny of the league’s financial practices and governance decisions. Carter’s criticisms extend beyond just executive salaries. In a message to North Melbourne president Sonja Hood, he warned her that she might not enjoy his published comments regarding the club’s decision to reject relocation options to the Gold Coast or Tasmania. He described the club’s stance as “regrettable” and a missed opportunity for both the Kangaroos and the broader competition. Hood responded with good grace, acknowledging her disagreement with Carter’s assessment. Carter argues that maintaining a Victorian-based team is essential to the AFL’s long-term viability, suggesting that the league should continue pursuing relocation strategies to ensure competitive balance. The former commissioner also questioned the AFL’s governance during the tenure of former chairman Richard Goyder, particularly the decision to grant the MCG exclusive rights to host the grand final until 2059. Carter suggests this move has undermined the fairness of the fixture schedule and raises concerns about the influence of senior figures within the league. Additionally, he criticizes the AFL’s decision to keep executive salaries confidential, a policy that he claims was upheld under the leadership of former CEOs Andrew Demetriou and Gillon McLachlan. Carter argues that transparency in such matters is crucial for accountability and public trust. In another chapter of his book, titled What I Don’t Understand, Carter expresses confusion over the AFL’s reluctance to experiment with a twilight grand final, a format that gained popularity during the pandemic. He questions whether Goyder, who had previously supported the idea, was overruled by then-executive Gillon McLachlan. Carter also highlights the potential long-term consequences of the league’s free-to-air scheduling model, arguing that it risks alienating fans and reducing revenue streams. Beyond these points, Carter outlines several other contentious issues facing the AFL. He criticizes the league’s silence on gambling, noting that it contrasts sharply with its efforts to promote other social causes. He also points to the 1995 Carlton premiership controversy, asserting that the club was fortunate not to lose its title due to leniency in enforcing salary cap rules. Furthermore, Carter challenges the AFL’s executive bonus scheme, claiming it incentivizes actions that may harm certain clubs. He also calls for the withdrawal of the league’s guaranteed financial support to clubs and urges a reassessment of AFLW player payment structures, which he views as a significant financial burden. Carter’s book includes a detailed analysis of past initiatives, including the establishment of the independent AFL Commission in the early 1990s, the reconstruction of the Great Southern Stand, and the return of VFL members to the MCG. These contributions underscore his deep involvement in shaping the modern AFL. Bill Kelty, a respected figure in Australian football, refers to Carter as one of the “fathers of the modern AFL,” emphasizing the significance of his insights into the league’s evolution. AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon has read the book and was contacted for comment, though no official statement has been issued. As the league continues to navigate complex financial and operational challenges, Carter’s critiques serve as a provocative call for greater transparency, reform, and alignment between executive pay and player welfare. The debate over executive compensation and governance will likely remain a focal point in discussions surrounding the AFL’s future direction.