Gillon McLachlan was farewelled at a fun bash in Prahran.Credit:Paul Jeffers
Grand final week is a gruelling one on our function circuit but when it doubles as McLachlan’s last week in the job after a nine-year stint things kick up a notch.
On Wednesday,he was in the MCG Olympic Room for the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Pitcher Partners grand final luncheon,revealing his WhatApp bromance with superstarRobbie Williams,who was lined up to grace the grand final with his presence if Carlton made it.
By Thursday night,a glitterati of Australian sport gathered at Chapel Street icon Sophia for McLachlan’s official farewell party.
Unsurprisingly,Collingwood were to the fore. PresidentJeff Browne,his predecessorEddie McGuireand chief executive Craig Kelly,set aside big game nerves to mingle with club bosses from the other lesser 17 clubs. Ex-Hawthorn prez and ex-Victorian premJeff Kennettwas there to chew the ear off anyone who would listen. JK’s recent icy phone call with the great man overMcLachlan’s insistence on building a stadium in Tasmania,revealed inGood Weekend magazine,not enough to get him cancelled from the guest list.
McLachlan at his last Brownlow as CEO,with executives Kylie Rogers (left),Laura Kane and incoming CEO Andrew DillonCredit:Getty Images
The renowned dealmaker invited plenty of people who have glared at him across the negotiating table over the years for his final social flex. TV execs in the room included Seven’sLewis Martin and Foxtel bossPatrick Delany,while AFL Players Association bossPaul Marsh was glowing,fresh frominking a rich new collective bargaining agreement.
Footy royalty was present,too. Former Essendon champion andVoice walkerMichael Long turned up,along with Pies champion and former coachNathan BuckleyandGeelong skipperPatrick Dangerfield.