AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou said he was extremely disappointed to lose Clark’s services after her leading role in the industry over the last five years.
In addition to her leadership role in developing and delivering education programs for AFL clubs including players, staff, coaches and board members, Clark also played an important role in investigations concerning the off field behaviour of individuals at AFL and community level and to protect the integrity of the game, he said.
"Under Sue’s leadership, the Cultural Strategy and Education Unit also developed a strategy for the AFL’s position on social inclusion which included amendments to the AFL’s vilification policy and development of a mental health policy for the AFL industry," Demetriou said.
This included working with the AFLPA to review education programs for AFL players while also managing the development and implementation of education programs around major AFL policies including respect and responsibility, racial and religious vilification and responsible use of alcohol.
“The AFL first had contact with Sue in 2004 when she was a senior officer with Victoria Police and a member of Victoria’s Statewide Steering Committee to Reduce Sexual Assault,” Demetriou said.
“Sue played a leading role as a member of the advisory group to develop the AFL’s Respect and Responsibility Policy, which was introduced in 2005 to create a safe and inclusive environment for women at all levels of Australian football.
“We were delighted she joined us full time in 2008 to manage our Respect and Responsibility program, with a particular emphasis on expanding the program to community based clubs and leagues throughout Australia.
“Sue has always acted very professionally and with great integrity and we wish her every success in the next phase of her career now that she has decided to pursue further education in her career development.”
In 2009 Clark was appointed to the role of cultural strategy and education manager and from October last year to July this year, she also served as acting general manager, human resources.
The management of the AFL Respect and Responsibility program will now come to Dorothy Hisgrove, AFL general manager people, customer and community.
