Why he stood down?
Demetriou told AFL Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick of his decision when both attended this year's Super Bowl on February 2. He will depart after 11 years in the job with 'no regrets' and believes the timing is right. While there is still no resolution to ASADA's investigation into Essendon's supplements program, Demetriou insisted it had nothing to do with his decision to quit.
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What were his successes?
- Popularity. The AFL remains the most popular sport in Australia with attendances at an all-time high in 2013
- The record $1.25 billion TV rights deal for 2012-16
- The expansion from 16 to 18 teams with the introduction of Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney
- The growth of the game internationally with the first ever home and away match played outside of Australia last year when St Kilda and Sydney clashed in New Zealand
What were his blunders?
- Demetriou has always denied the existence of tanking in the AFL despite Carlton midfielder Brock McLean claiming his former club Melbourne were guilty of it
- Meat Loaf. 2011 Grand Final entertainment was easily the worst in history
- 2012 seven-week mid-season holiday where he missed a number of key incidents including Richmond sacking Daniel Connros and suspending Dustin Martin, Liam Jurrah forced to stand trial over assault charges, McLean's tanking allegations, Bulldogs suspending Tom Liberatore for drug strike, Collingwood suspend Dane Swan for alcohol-related indiscretion, just to name a few
- Brownlow bloopers – not a year goes past when we are all left chuckling at one of Demetriou's mispronunciations of a player's name
- Laughing uncontrollably on live television after being told that St Kilda players were responsible for lighting a dwarf on fire
- Early in the 2005 season, Demetriou said Sydney would never win a premiership using Paul Roos' ultra defensive game plan
Who takes over?
Demetriou and Fitzpatrick revealed they had been discussing the transition since 2012, although the departing CEO will have no role in selecting his successor. Long-time deputy Gillon McLachlan is the clear favourite but he is by no means guaranteed the position. Recently departed Channel Nine boss Jeff Browne was reportedly approached by the AFL to join the Commission last month and could be an ideal replacement, while Geelong CEO Brian Cook will also be in the mix.
What will happen next year?
It's unlikely there will be a raft of changes under the new CEO, although there are two things that we can expect to see over the coming seasons. AFL on Good Friday appears a near certainty without Demetriou at the helm, while a twilight or night Grand Final will happen sooner rather than later.
Where to now for Demetriou?
In his media conference on Monday he said, "I'm looking forward to the next part of my life and the challenges that lie ahead. I'm young, I want to work and I have some roles left in me, so if anyone is listening ..." He won't join the AFL Commission and is likely to move away from the sport where he has spent over half his life as a player and administrator. He also ruled out a career in politics.