A generation of children increasingly think gambling is inextricably linked with the AFL

‘Under McLachlan’s leadership, the AFL … signed television rights deals which led to a tsunami of advertisements across television, radio, digital and at all grounds where AFL matches are played’ says Tim Costello. Photograph: Michael Willson/AFL Photos/Getty Images

AFL’s chief executive, Gillon McLachlan, will receive many tributes for his eight-year legacy of running the premier sporting code in the nation and guiding it though Covid to deliver joy to millions, despite terrible lockdowns. That is rightly so – but there is a huge shadow over his legacy.

McLachlan took over as chief executive from Andrew Demetriou, who immediately joined the Crown Resorts board and helped strike a deal with his protege around sports betting, as the newly created Crownbet became the major gambling sponsor of the AFL.