Laura Kane has become the AFL’s most senior football official, after the league confirmed her appointment as executive general manager of football this morning.

This decision made her the first female to head football operations in the game’s history. Her appointment highlights ongoing change in Australian football as several women begin to take key positions at AFL clubs.

The AFL attempted to pull Richmond CEO Brendon Gale to the league in an expanded role, but the former player decided to stick with the Tigers as they work on appointing a new coach.

Kane has become one of the most senior deputies to incoming AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon.

Dillion praised her previous work and impact on the game.

“This AFL season has continued throw up a diverse mix of challenges at our competition and Laura has led the football department team brilliantly in what has been a record year for our game,” he said.

“Laura’s experience, expertise, temperament and resilience, paired with building a team of additional key football talent, is the right mix to lead the football department … Laura has brought to the AFL a keen sense of club experience and knowledge of the impact of AFL decisions.”

Photo: PHFC vs Eltham – IMG_9416 by JamesDPhotography available HERE and used under a Creative Commons license. This image has not been modified.