GWS chief doesn’t rule himself out as possible replacement for Gillon McLachlan

GWS chief Dave Matthews hasn’t ruled himself out of the running to be Gillon McLachlan’s replacement as the AFL’s new chief executive.

He was asked on 3AW Football whether he’d be a candidate for the role.

“I don’t think that’s one to answer at the moment,” Matthews said.

“I’m absolutely loving being at the Giants and really enjoyed this challenge and having left the AFL executive to take it on, it’s been something that you become incredibly passionate about.

“Not just from a club point of view, but also what we are trying to achieve in Sydney.

“Clearly Gillon has done an outstanding job and I think there will be a strong field and strong candidates.

“Clearly Brendon Gale is somebody who is one of the better leaders in the industry – he’d have to be strongly considered – others will be, too.

“I haven’t really turned my mind to it, too much, at this stage.

“We’ve got a hell of a lot of work to do here.”

On the matter of Gale, Matthews was also asked about reports Gold Coast chairman Tony Cochrane had been ringing leaders of other non-Victorian clubs to push against a possible Gale appointment.

“I thought it was highly unusual, if that took place,” he said.

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview

(Photo by Brett Hemmings/AFL Media/Getty Images)