AFL appoint AFL State Manager – NSW/ACT Development

The AFL is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Laughton as AFL State Manager – NSW/ACT Development.

Laughton will be in charge of the development of AFL in NSW/ACT while a second senior position will be announced shortly with a key focus on strategy, fan development and business relations.

Both positions will report to General Manager – Market Development David Matthews who has a key focus on the development of AFL at an international and national level.

“I am privileged to be given the opportunity to play a lead role in one of the AFL’s key strategic markets and to continue to focus on the growth of the game,” Laughton said.

“In the history of the game there’s never been a more exciting time to be involved in further developing the code in conjunction with the Sydney Swans and through the formation of a second club in Greater Western Sydney.

“Some key focus areas of my position include continuing to grow participation and fans at a club, school and community level while improving facilities and increasing engagement with Multicultural and Indigenous communities.

“Other areas of the position will be to develop and implement a new second tier competition with the involvement of the Sydney and Canberra markets and to support the development of talented athletes through our zone/state program in conjunction with the AFL club academies with a view to getting more players drafted in the AFL.”

Matthews has recently relocated to Sydney to ensure the NSW/ACT market has a senior executive member.

“We are excited to offer someone the opportunity to progress through the organisation who has experience and knowledge in this market,” Matthews said.

“Over the past seven years Simon’s played an integral role in the growth of the code and his appointment to the new position is a fitting reward for the work that’s been done.”