Old Paradian Brian Walsh (1983) has been named the AFL’s new General Manager Corporate Affairs, Government and Communications.

The following is an edited version of the League’s statement confirming the appointment, which was released just minutes ago;

AFL Chief Executive Officer Gillon McLachlan today announced the appointment of Brian Walsh as the AFL’s General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Government and Communications.

Mr Walsh will rejoin the AFL on Monday September 9 as a member of the AFL Executive Team, having previously worked at the AFL between 2005-11 in a senior communications role.

He has resigned his current role as Chief Executive Officer at Bastion Reputation Management and will also resign his position as a director of the North Melbourne Football Club.

Mr McLachlan said he was delighted that Mr Walsh was taking up the role, after Elizabeth Lukin has stepped away from the AFL Executive for personal reasons.

“Brian is an experienced media and communications executive with a diverse career over the last two decades, covering senior roles within News Ltd at the Herald Sun, at the AFL working under Andrew Demetriou, at NAB and most recently at Bastion Reputation Management, while also serving on an AFL club board since 2016,” he said.

“The AFL environment is incredibly dynamic and the ability to form and maintain strong partnerships across both media and government is vital for the long-term success of both the elite competition and the wider game.

“I am delighted that he has accepted the offer to take on this new role, combining key areas of our business in both media and government relations, as well as the AFL’s work in the community to support charitable work.

“His knowledge of the football industry and relationships with key club and industry people and his long history as a skilled executive will provide an enormous support to our Commission, our Executive and our Clubs,’ Mr McLachlan said.

Mr Walsh said he intended to hit the ground running, commencing as soon as possible during the upcoming Toyota AFL Finals Series.

“I’d like to thank the Bastion Collective for allowing me to build a business where I was able to work with a number of sports, as well as consult across business and Government. The opportunity to return to the AFL and work with Gill, his team and the clubs to help strengthen and promote Australia’s game across the country is really exciting,” Mr Walsh said.

“While I have always sought new horizons across my career, one of the highlights was serving as a director of North Melbourne where I learned much about the challenges facing the 18 AFL clubs.

“I’d like to thank the Kangaroos and particularly president Ben Buckley for the privilege of being on the Board and working with management and the passionate volunteers who are the lifeblood of any club. “