AFL COMMISSIONER Linda Dessau will be the next Governor of Victoria.

Dessau joined the AFL Commission in 2008 and is a former Justice of the Family Court of Victoria and a member of the Victorian Bar. 

From 1987 to 1995 she was a Children's Court coroner and magistrate at the Melbourne's Magistrate Court.

A passionate Bombers supporter, she was the founding chair of the Essendon Women's Network.

In announcing her appointment, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews hailed her contribution to "Australia's greatest game."

“As an honest voice of change, Ms Dessau helped bring Australian family law and the Australian Football League into the new century,” he said.

“From the sporting and cultural icons that make our state liveable, to important family law work that keeps women and children safe, Ms Dessau has helped shape Victoria for the better.”

“I was proud to recommend her appointment to Her Majesty and Victorians will be proud to call her their Governor.”

AFL Commission Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick said the appointment of Dessau as Governor-elect recognised her outstanding contribution to the community in various roles, including her legal career, and was a great honour for the wider football community.

“Linda Dessau has been a strong and passionate contributor to the AFL Commission over the past seven years and a leader in the life of Victoria throughout her career in the law,’ Mr Fitzpatrick said.

“The AFL and the wider football community all congratulate her on the appointment to the role as Governor of Victoria.

“While we are disappointed to lose her skills from the Commission, she will not be lost to football and her commitment to a better society for all will continue to see her as a leader in the community.”