Gillon McLachlan
(TC 1994)
College sport and sport in general has a huge impact while you are at university as it builds friendships, networks, resilience and discipline. It also requires teamwork, and this provides the framework you need to advance professionally.
Sport was an important part of my College experience – I played cricket and football at Trinity. One great memory is winning the intercollegiate Firsts Football final in 1994, the first time Trinity had won it since the 1960s. It was a special day as I remember we won by only a goal. Of course, winning was great. But when I look back, I was playing with many teammates who would turn out to be lifelong friends; on reflection, that’s even more special than the match itself.
Though I loved my sport at College, when it comes to my career, I stumbled into it. I was working as a management consultant when I was offered a job at the AFL and went as a secondee. I could never have imagined the career I would have or the change I would see during my time there.
The AFL is a completely different competition to what it was when I was a student at Trinity. It’s now a national game with world-class stadiums. It’s fully professional for men, and, importantly, now has a women’s league that sees 540 women playing. It’s a leader in the community on many issues such as racism, gender and sexuality. It’s an organisation that I hope represents everyone.
There have been plenty of highs throughout my time at the AFL – I’ve loved the responsibility and the privilege of leading a game that means so much to so many, whether that’s at the national, state or college level. Sport really can strengthen and unite us.
GILLON McLACHLAN is the outgoing CEO of the Australian Football League. He has worked for the AFL since 2000, initially as a consultant in strategic planning, then General Manager of Commercial Operations, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, before being appointed as Chief Executive Officer in 2014.
Key outcomes in Gillon’s roles within the AFL have included the largest sports rights media deal in Australian history, the establishment of AFL Media, and the establishment of two new clubs, including raising the funding for and building their stadiums.
Gillon has a Bachelor of Laws from Melbourne University, a Bachelor of Commerce from Adelaide University and completed the Senior Executive Program at Stanford University.
Tiger Woo
It doesn’t matter if you’re a champion athlete or the type who works out rules on the fly, there’s a place for everyone on the Trinity team.
CONTENTS
TIMELINE
FROM THEN TO NOW
This is how Trinity College's story has unfolded.
COLLEGE NEWS
NEWS
A snapshot of 2022....and what a special year it was.
OBITS
We are saddened to acknowledge the passing of Trinity alumni and friends during 2022.
ART AND CULTURE
TRINITY UP IN LIGHTS
Trinitarians have been taking to the stage since the late 19th century. We look at the trajectory of Trinity's performing arts scene.
We explore how Trinity came to hold such a diverse and impressive art collection.
DR CALVIN BOWMAN
Meet Calvin, an Oakleaf Awardee.
SPORT
The rivalry between Trinity and Ormond can be traced right back to the beginning.
TIGER WOO!
It doesn't matter if you're a champion athlete or the type who works out rules on the fly, there's a place for everyone on the Trinity team.
GILLON MCLACHLAN
Meet Gillon, an Oakleaf Awardee.
LEADERSHIP
MERCURY RISING
Andrew Prentice shares his journey to become one of the world's leading experts on the formation of the solar system.
ON BEING 'EDUCATION PEOPLE'
Dr Denis White served as Executive Director of Trinity College's Foundation Studies during the program's foundational years and his leadership played an integral role in setting our Pathways School up for success.
TAKING A HOLISTIC VIEW
From its earliest days, Trinity College has aimed to offer students a well-rounded education. Warden and CEO Ken Hinchcliff (TC 1976) explains what this means and the impact it has on our future leaders.
JEROME CUBILLO
Meet Jerome, an Oakleaf Awardee.
FAITH
EXPRESSING ANGLICAN IDENTITY
The Archbishop of Melbourne, the Most Revd Dr Philip Freier, reflects on the history of the Trinity College Theological School.
A MATTER OF FAITH
We look at the influence of chaplaincy and religious worship throughout Trinity's history.
THE REVEREND JENNY INGLIS
Meet Jenny, an Oakleaf Awardee.
FASHION
Built with Shorthand