NEW LEAGUE football operations boss Simon Lethlean won't rush to modify the game in his new post, declaring "not much needs to change" to keep the AFL fast, exciting and unpredictable.
Lethlean was confirmed as the AFL's general manager of football operations on Thursday afternoon, replacing new Gold Coast CEO Mark Evans in the important post.
The former game development executive said he wanted to encourage discussion on the direction of the AFL at a time when future of the bounce and rushed behind rule are being hotly debated.
"My role will be to listen to all the feedback, analyse all areas of the game, guide that debate and continue to ensure our game is compelling to watch," Lethlean said.
"Our game is strong because of the passion and rich debate that exists in so many areas – the laws of our game, how it's umpired, the Match Review and Tribunal systems, player pathways, the draft and talent identification pathways.
"Those debates, which are very robust, need to continue and everyone must have their chance to use their voice."
Lethlean was encouraged by the state of the game, saying he did not believe much needed to change to keep the game fast-paced and exciting.
"The last game we all saw was the Grand Final between Sydney and the Bulldogs, which was a pretty fast and free-flowing game," he said.
"I don't think much needs to change right now. I'm going to sit back and see what unfolds in the opening part of the season."
Lethlean has played major roles at the AFL in broadcasting, fixturing, media rights and most recently the introduction of the NAB AFL Women's competition.
He said he was thrilled to keep AFLW in his new portfolio as part of a shuffle that has seen two internal additions to the AFL executive.
Lethlean's predecessor, Evans, was highly regarded for his club background and relationships, particularly with the game's senior coaches.
After 13 years at head office, Lethlean was confident he would also enjoy a strong connection with the League's 18 clubs.
CEO Gillon McLachlan described his new football boss as "a football person" at his core, who has had "a long time around the game".
"He is a very strong leader and his team has always resonated with him and followed him strongly," McLachlan said.
"(The game) is very important to a lot of people and he, in a day-to-day sense is the custodian now and he bears that responsibility.
"I'm really confident that he's going to be up to it."
McLachlan said Ray Gunston, whose portfolio has been expanded to general manager of infrastructure, major projects and investment, would remain in charge of the AFL's collective bargaining talks with the AFL Players Association.
The CEO also put the onus back on Gold Coast and Port Adelaide to resolve their running dispute over which jumper the Suns will wear for the historic China match in round eight.
"My prevailing view is it's a club issue and if we need to get involved we will," McLachlan said.
"But I hope the club's will work it out. If I need to I'll become involved."
