The brothers revel in a challenge and have an insatiable appetite for football administration and an unrelenting desire to improve the image of the sport.
The Tatura-raised siblings now hold two of the most important positions in AFL administration.
In his role as executive general manager of finance, clubs and broadcasting Travis is a highly valued member of AFL boss Gillon McLachlan’s leadership team.
Travis completed a Bachelor of Business at La Trobe University in 1993, initially working with an international accounting firm, before progressing to one of the AFL’s top jobs.
Travis had a stint with the Essendon Football Club in its finance department in 1996, eventually progressing through its administration ranks to become its chief operating officer.
From there he moved to the Gold Coast Suns as its initial chief executive, a position he held until the AFL lured him to its administration in 2014.
Late last year, Nagambie-based Robbie was appointed executive general manager game development, which includes the challenging portfolio of community umpiring.
This role is also part of the AFL executive.
He is responsible for participation and programs including NAB Auskick, diversity programs, the growth and sustainability of community football, ongoing support for umpires and volunteers, driving the AFL’s community football infrastructure development, including a strong focus on building more facilities to cater for girls and women, and expanding overall participation across the country.
Robbie said the current umpiring shortage crisis could partly be attributed to the growth of women’s football but also because potential umpires were concerned about player and spectator abuse.
He has welcomed the latest AFL stance on this issue with open arms.
Before joining the AFL football department, Robbie was the AFL head of game development for two years and, before that, chief executive of AFL Tasmania for two years.
He joined the AFL in 2016 after a 15-year career with beverage company Lion Nathan, with which he held a number of senior leadership roles.
Robbie is credited with playing a vital role in leading the AFL industry in navigating the COVID-19 crisis and worked with clubs, players and governments across the country to ensure the 2021 AFL and AFLW seasons were successfully completed, despite the many complexities and differing conditions and guidelines across the states.
Robbie, a former dual Nagambie premiership coach and club president, believes having a background in grassroots football in a country environment has held him in good stead for his present roles in the industry.
He holds a unique record at Nagambie Football Netball Club, being a three-time premiership player, dual premiership coach and president of the club.
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