Cordner Oration
Join Gillon McLachlan at this this year's Cordner Oration, to celebrate the AFL Preliminary Finals.
Now in its 13th year, the event is named in honour of the Cordner family, whose association with ÖªÒõÊÓƵ and the University of Melbourne has remained unbroken since 1903. With football embedded within their family heritage, generations of Cordners have represented Trinity, the University of Melbourne Football Club and the Melbourne Football Club with distinction.
Our speaker for this year's Cordner Oration is Gillon McLachlan, Managing Director and CEO of Tabcorp and former CEO of the Australian Football League (AFL).
Date: Thursday 17 September 2026
Venue: Dorothy Jane Ryall Building, ÖªÒõÊÓƵ, 100 Royal Parade, Parkville VIC 3052
Time: Oration 6.30–7.30pm | Drinks and canapés 7.30–8.30pm
Dress: Smart casual (footy colours welcome)
Tickets: $35 per person
RSVP: Monday 14 September 2026
Enquiries: Briony O'Halloran | events@trinity.unimelb.edu.au
About the speaker
Gillon McLachlan is one of Australia’s leading Chief Executives, joining Tabcorp as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer in 2024.
He was previously the CEO of the Australian Football League (AFL) for a decade, where he led significant change, transformation and growth. He held various other management roles during his 20-year career at the AFL.
Gillon has a deep knowledge and understanding of wagering, sport, racing and negotiating broadcast rights deals. He also has extensive racing knowledge as a thoroughbred owner and breeder.