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All-encompassing. High-pressure. Rewarding.
Those are three words that you might hear many former AFL chief executives use to describe the role of being footy’s top administrator.
One of those, and perhaps one of the most successful to ever perform the job, is North Melbourne great, Andrew Demetriou.
‘The game consumes you but you can't help but fall in love with it,’ the 64-year-old told The Age back in 2014 after stepping down from the role.
During his 11-year spell in the role, the Aussie businessman juggled his job and family life exceptionally.
He oversaw huge change and growth within the league between the years of 2003 and 2014, notably promoting the women’s game, delivering more opportunities to Indigenous Australians to play footy and placed greater emphasis on player welfare and safety at all levels.
Andrew Demetriou and his wife Symone realised after he took over as AFL CEO back in 2003 that living in Hawthorn was proving too difficult, adding more time to their morning commute
So the Aussie businessman opted to move into this stunning home in Toorak, which was closer to his twin daughters' school and his workplace in the Docklands at AFL HQ. The family are now looking to sell up, with the luxury six-bedroom house on sale for around $15.5million
In numbers, the former AFLPA chief executive oversaw an increase in total domestic participation in the game of 113 per cent. Player earnings increased by nearly $80million under his stewardship. And perhaps most impressively, the AFL’s revenue increased from $171m in 2003 to $446.5m in 2013.
Such is the nature of the job that it doesn’t come without its fair remuneration.
The AFL reports that Demetriou’s salary package is said to have been set at around $1.8m with bonuses, and he pocketed an eye-watering $3.8m in 2013, part of which was a long-service bonus.
AFL Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick claimed that part of that bonus was given to Demetriou because of his role in securing a lucrative broadcast deal in 2011.
After spending 11 years as footy’s top boss, Demetriou revealed that he needed a place to live close enough to Melbourne’s Docklands but not too far away from where his young children were heading to school.
Demetriou and his family had been living in Hawthorn during the start of his tenure as AFL chief executive.
But they began to loathe driving between their kids’ school at Melbourne Grammar, AFL HQ in the Docklands and their home out in the eastern suburbs.
‘We were living in Hawthorn, taking the twins to three-year-old kinder at Melbourne Girls Grammar and then going into the AFL over at Docklands. The drive became too challenging,’ Demetriou said to The Sydney Morning Herald.
The secluded home comes with its own swimming pool, spa, basketball court and alfresco living space
Demetriou held footy's top job from 2003 to 2014. He oversaw vast change in the league during that time, while also pocketing a pretty penny for his service
So they opted for a change of scenery, with Demetriou going on to purchase his current home in Toorak at auction.
The six-bedroom, four-bathroom Marcus Martin-designed home, which resembles something of a European villa, was, in fact, a surprise for his wife.
‘She was off shopping and having lunch,’ he told the outlet.
‘I called her afterwards and she didn’t ask me anything, so I had to say: “Do you want to know what happened? We bought the house!”’
Having moved into their new luxurious home in 2007, which also features its own outdoor pool, spa and a basketball court, the family is now looking to sell up and move to pastures new.
The stunning home is understood to be valued at around $14.5m to $15.5m, and expressions of interest will close at 1pm on September 2.
Demetriou, a father of four, explained he and his family have loved their time at the Toorak home, which also has parking space for up to six vehicles.
‘I have to tell you, a six-bedroom house is a godsend,’ he said to the outlet. ‘I’ve discovered the key to a harmonious household – many bathrooms’
Demetriou, a father of four, explained he and his family have loved their time at the Toorak home, which also has parking space for upto six vehicles
Crafted in collaboration with renowned architect David Hicks, the property is situated across three levels and features four bathrooms
The home flows elegantly from the foyer, into its stunning open plan living room, which features a beautiful fireplace and kitchen area, making it the perfect place to host dinners, family and events.
The living area opens up to a beautiful alfresco patio area that is accessible through a set of sliding glass doors.
Crafted in collaboration with renowned architect David Hicks and is situated across three levels.
Upstairs, you’ll find six robed bedrooms which deliver ample space and comfort, while there is also an elevated living area and terrace.
Demetriou says he and his wife are looking to scale down, adding that his kids, who are growing up quickly, are moving on.
‘They’re almost all grown now. So we don’t need those six bedrooms any more really. But we’ve been very blessed here. Great schools, great location.
‘It’ll be hard to beat.’
