Andrew Demetriou
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Andrew Demetriou (born April 14, 1961) is the CEO of the Australian Football League and a former Australian rules footballer of Greek-Cypriot heritage.
[edit] Playing career
Recruited from Pascoe Vale, Demetriou played for the North Melbourne Football Club as a winger, playing 103 games and booting 47 goals between 1981 and 1987.
He had a brief move to Hawthorn playing for the club in 1988, playing just 3 games and kicking 1 goal.
His career was one of few highlights and several tribunal appearances, although he was made famous by being flattened in a shirtfront by Leigh Matthews.
[edit] Administration career
At the end of the 2003 season, Demetriou was elected CEO of the Australian Football League, taking over from the outgoing Wayne Jackson.
In 2005 he was instrumental in securing a record breaking TV rights deal. In the same season, the league posted record breaking TV ratings and attendances.
Demetriou's policy of aggressive marketing of the code in the traditionally non-Aussie Rules areas of New South Wales and Queensland has been questioned by many.
He has caused controversy several times with his opinionated and outspoken character. Firstly when he initially refused to adopt a sport anti-doping policy. Later he openly criticised the eventual premiers (Sydney Swans) and their coach Paul Roos for their playing style, labelling it as unattractive. Demetriou's claim that the side would not win a premiership with the negative style of play was proven wrong. After a series of off-field scandals, Demetriou labelled outgoing West Coast Eagles captain Ben Cousins a "fool".
[edit] External links
| Preceded by: Wayne Jackson |
Australian Football League CEO 2003- |
Succeeded by: Incumbent |
