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Gerard Healy’s open invitation to AFL Chairman Richard Goyder
SEN • May 29th, 2025 10:59 am
Brownlow Medallist Gerard Healy has urged AFL Commission chairman Richard Goyder to show some leadership.
The game has been plagued by a raft of key issues to start the 2025 season including MRO decisions, the level of umpiring, controversial leadership calls, Next Generation and Northern Academies as well as growth issues in key markets.
Goyder’s position as Commission chair has also been questioned as a result.
With both CEO Andrew Dillon and Head of Football Laura Kane coming under fire, Healy says Goyder must step up and talk to those who make the game great - the players, fans and volunteers across the country.
“I'm surprised Richard hasn't come out to defend the Northern Academies. The game has been tearing itself apart for the best part of two months,” Healy said on SEN Sportsday.
“The Chief Executive has been under fire and the head of football Laura Kane has been under fire. This was the obvious time for Richard Goyder to come out and lead.
“I mean, his position has been talked about now as an open secret, is he going to want to stay? He’s arguably still going to stay for a three-year term, but ultimately, I think he wants a 10th year.
“But it’s really not about what Richard wants, it's what the game needs and I think it's now time for Richard to step up and talk to the people who make this game great.
“That’s the kids in Western Sydney, the kids in Perth, up to the Pilbara, the kids in Adelaide all the way to Augusta, the kids in Bayside, the parents of kids, the clubs, the locals and the professionals.”
While Goyder makes multiple public appearances each year for the AFL, Healy offered the Chairman an open invitation to come and speak on SEN, anytime, anywhere.
“I'll tell you what we'll do right here and now, we are going to give an open invitation – anytime, anywhere – SEN has got microphones in every state, Richard,” Healy said.
“Come and talk to us. Come and talk to the people. Come and talk to the sport that you run. SEN will give you that platform.
“Tell us why you should be the leader if you want to stay again and maybe come and defend your sport that's under absolute threat.
“Maybe come and calm the waters with club Presidents doing this and saying that. Come and talk to us.
“We don't just want to know you and recognise you and remember you as a bloke who gave out the Brownlow Medal and spoke at the Hall of Fame.
“Come and talk to us now. Now's the time the game needs you.”
Goyder has been the AFL Commission chair since 2017. His current term expires in March 2026, although reports suggest he has an intent to remain in the job until 2028.
