The AFL wants to stop broadcasters from only using white men to cover the footy – here’s proof the league’s boss can’t explain how the move will work

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has repeatedly found himself in hot water when he has tried to justify why the league wants to stop broadcasters using only “middle-aged white males” for their football coverage from 2025.

On Thursday, Melbourne 3AW radio presenter Tom Elliott questioned Dillon about the AFL reportedly including a “social inclusion” clause in its deal with broadcasters Channel Seven and Foxtel ahead of next season.

The aim of the clause is to ensure that groups such as women and Indigenous Australians have a greater say in the code.

Elliott asked Dillon in surprise if the sport is just trying to check boxes when it comes to diversity.

‘[With this clause] Do you mean there are fewer middle-aged white men like Brian Taylor and James Brayshaw and more… Native commentators or female commentators, more gay commentators? What do you really want?’

A nervous Dillon said the change would not mean “less” happening on the commentary teams, to which Elliott had to respond that the change “should” lead to changes behind the microphone and in front of the camera.

He added that a number of senior commentators at 3AW are “very nervous” about their futures following the league’s move.

“If we need more diverse commentators, we’re going to have to fire half of them. We can’t afford to hire more people,” Elliott argued.

Dillon (pictured) struggled to explain why the AFL wants broadcasters to use more diverse commentary teams from next season

3AW presenter Tom Elliott asked AFL boss Andrew Dillon if the sport is just trying to tick boxes when it comes to diversity

Dillon pointed to the rise of Tony Armstrong – who made his mark in AFL media before moving to free-to-air television, where he was nominated for a Gold Logie – as an example of how diversity can be a positive step.

Elliott was having none of it, replying: ‘Don’t you just pick the best commentator?

‘Especially on the radio, nobody cares what they say. [presenters] ‘Whatever their appearance or background, they just want to know that they are the most interesting and best informed football people out there.’

Dillon said he believes more diversity will lead to better commentary teams and that it is ultimately up to 3AW to determine who is hired.

Elliott then pressed him to explain clearly what the move would mean for broadcasters.

Are you saying you have to have at least one female commentator or one indigenous one? [commentator]“?” he asked.

Dillon said no, but added, “It’s in the contract.”

‘Honestly, as you know, with great partnerships like Foxtel and Seven, the contracts aren’t even really looked at.’

Earlier this month, Channel Nine reporter Tom Morris unveiled the AFL’s proposed social inclusion clause on Melbourne radio station SEN during a breakfast segment with retired football legend Garry Lyon.

“There is a requirement or commitment from the AFL that has been ticked and signed as part of this agreement to have diverse voices, to have representation from minorities and different areas than has been the case in the past,” he explained on SEN.

‘This is set out in a broadcasting rights agreement. This means that you cannot simply have white men sitting behind a desk for every broadcast you do.’

‘You have to diversify, and you have to do that within Seven and Fox.’

Some X users welcomed the AFL’s move to ensure greater social inclusion from the match’s broadcasters

The development drew mixed reactions when shared with X.

“This sucks,” was one blunt comment.

Another football fan added: ‘The person who is most suited to the role should get it regardless of background, gender, religion etc etc. NOT someone who just fits the ‘quotas’.’

“If it means an end to the boys club commentary during the broadcasts – Bring It On,” wrote another X user.

‘I’m sick of the venomous/self-righteous comments from Brayshaw, Taylor and mates.’