Western Bulldogs President Kylie Watson-Wheeler is one of eight new members on the AFL’s Competition Committee, it was announced today.

Watson-Wheeler is the first Bulldogs representative on the Committee since its inception in 2018.

The Committee has played an important role in assisting the AFL Executive and Commission with its deliberations relating to the present and future state of the game.

It is utilised to make assessments, canvass views, test theories and provide comments and recommendations regarding the AFL Competition to the AFL Commission – the independent body charged with the ultimate decision-making responsibility for all elements of Australian Football.

The eight new members are a mix of club and AFL administrators and players, with five previous members stepping down from their duties.

“I welcome each new member of the AFL Competition Committee and look forward to their perspectives as representatives across many areas of the game,” said AFL Executive General Manager Football Operations, Andrew Dillon.

“Through each addition, we are seeking to ensure a diversity of views and find a balance of representation across players, coaches, club administrators and game officials from a range of backgrounds and geographic locations, who are all experienced football personnel.”

The Competition Committee will next meet on August 25, and will guide discussion around decision-making for the AFL Commission and AFL Executive on key aspects of the future direction of the AFL Competition.
 
“Over the course of the 2021 season, we have sought to gather as much information, data and ideas as possible ahead of this meeting,” said Mr Dillon.
 
“The agenda for the August meeting of the Committee will see discussion on a range of areas including Fixturing, Game Analysis and the Industry Workforce Model.”

The 2021 AFL Competition Committee:
Simone Wilkie (AFL), Andrew Dillon (AFL), Kylie Rogers (AFL), Peggy O’Neal (Richmond), Andrew Ireland (Sydney Swans), Kylie Watson-Wheeler (Western Bulldogs), Justin Reeves (Hawthorn), Simon Garlick (Fremantle), Chris Davies (Port Adelaide), Craig Vozzo (West Coast Eagles), Josh Mahoney (Essendon), Laura Kane (North Melbourne), Alan Richardson (Melbourne), Chris Fagan (Brisbane Lions), Brett Ratten (St Kilda), Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong Cats), Stephen Coniglio (GWS GIANTS), Jacob Weitering (Carlton), Brett Murphy (AFLPA), Nicole Livingstone (AFL GM Women's Football), Rob Auld (GM AFL Competitions).