The AFL has hired one of Victoria's senior detectives to lead investigations in an expanded integrity unit amid concerns about the threat from corruption, drugs and organised crime.
Gerard Ryan moves from his role as a detective superintendent at the Victoria police crime command after more than 40 years in the police force.
Ryan oversaw the police investigation into alleged match fixing of Victorian Premier league soccer matches by international betting figures last year .
He has also served as president of VFL club Sandringham since 2006 but will resign that role.
"Gerard Ryan is uniquely suited to this important role," said AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon.
"He has a deep understanding of the Australian football environment and also an intimate knowledge of the risks that Australian sport faces from corruption, drugs and organised crime."
The AFL said another investigative role will be filled in the coming weeks and its expanded competition integrity department will contain 14 full and part time staff.
Its work will cover the AFL's anti-doping code, gambling and anti-corruption policies, total player payments compliance, the draft and player transfer system and its personal conduct policy.
The boost in investigative skills comes in the wake of the warnings from the Australian Crime Commission last year that Australian professional sports were at risk from organised crime.
"My experience and skills in policing particularly in recent years working on serious and organised crime and counter-terrorism, including integrity in sport investigations in the State, National and International area, puts me in a strong position to assist the AFL now and in the future," said Ryan.
