Brian Cook’s years of significant service to business, to the community and to Australian rules football have been acknowledged with his awarding of Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the King’s Birthday Honours List.
The Order of Australia serves as the pre-eminent award that can be bestowed upon a recipient by fellow Australians, in recognition of his or her achievements – and Cook has long been considered arguably the most highly-regarded, admired and respected administrator within League ranks.
Following an early career in football as a player and coach, Cook transitioned into sports administration roles with the Australian Sports Commission, the West Australian Football Development Trust, and the West Australian Football Commission. In 1990 he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the West Coast Eagles, where he oversaw a nine-year period delivering two AFL Premierships (1992 and 1994) and the establishment of a strong financial position and supporter base.
In 1999, Geelong Football Club President Frank Costa persuaded Cook to take on the role of Chief Executive Officer for what would be a remarkable 22-year tenure at the Cats. Under his leadership, the Club experienced sustained on-field success including finals football in 16 of his last 18 seasons, with Grand Final triumphs in 2007, 2009 and 2011. Cook’s off-field legacy is most prominent through his instrumental efforts in the redevelopment of GMHBA Stadium for the local community to enjoy for years to come.
Since joining the Carlton Football Club in 2021, Cook’s strong and level-headed leadership has played a pivotal role in the Club’s return to finals football after a 10-year hiatus, as well as the Blues’ first Preliminary final since 2000.
Key strategic initiatives have included the development of the Club’s first inclusion, diversity and equality plan, the expansion of the Carlton Respects program into primary schools, and the continued development of the Club’s AFLW program into a high-performance, integrated environment.
Cook has also overseen record membership growth, year on year, including an unprecedented 106,000 Members in 2024 – all unified through a Stronger Together bond built on the foundations of humility, excellence, integrity, respect, unity and relentlessness.
Beyond football, Cook has contributed significantly to the broader community through leadership roles with organisations including Barwon Health, Deakin University, Champions of Change Sport, and Wombat’s Wish. With an unwavering commitment to serving and helping others, he is known for ‘doing good, doing well and doing right’ through a values-based philosophy that has underpinned many on field and off field successes.
Carlton Football Club President Rob Priestley paid tribute to Cook for his dedication to duty throughout his long administrative life, which has included his role at the Blues.
“Aside from the premierships and contributions to the game of football, Brian is equally, if not primarily, known as an outstanding person. His integrity is without question, and to this day, his lessons and insights continue to be sought out by many, who strive to emulate his steadfast commitment to a values-based leadership approach,” Priestley said.
“A true pioneer in his field, he has been an influential leader fostering the importance of values, and behaviours, and the role they play in shaping a positive, respectful, and collaborative workplace, setting the standard for those around him.
“We sincerely congratulate Brian on receiving a Member of the Order of Australia, a fitting acknowledgement of his contribution and impact, that reaches far beyond the game of football.”
Cook himself reflected on receiving today’s significant King’s Birthday Honour.
“My purpose has been ‘to do well, to do good, and to do right’ in my professional and personal life,” he says.
“I love seeing the joy on faces of fans through Australian rules football and sport generally, I love watching athletes grow into better athletes and citizens, watching players and staff becoming team people, and meeting good people through sport.
“There are so many wonderful people doing so many wonderful things in Australia. Often, these people go through life not being recognised.
“I feel very grateful to be recognised for my service. It’s a very proud moment for me, and to share with my wife Claire, children, grandchildren, work colleagues and friends. I want to love and thank all the people who I have learned from during my life.”
Brian Cook AM
- Carlton Football Club - Chief Executive Officer, since 2021.
- Geelong Football Club - Chief Executive Officer, 1999-2021; Former Chair, Geelong Cats Foundation; Former Director; RJ Hickey Award, 2017; Life Member, 2009.
- West Coast Eagles - Chief Executive Officer, 1990-1999.
- WesternAustralian Football Commission - Chief Executive Officer, 1989-1990.
- WesternAustralian Football Development Trust - General Manager, 1987-1988.
- Australian Sports Commission - National Sports Research Coordinator, 1986.
- Champions of Change Sport - Member, since 2018.
- Australian Football League - Life Member, 2008.
- Wombat's Wish - Patron, since 2012.
- Active Geelong - Ambassador, 2018-2021.
- Geelong Major Events - Advisory Member, 2016-2018.
- Barwon Health - Chair, 2017-2023; Director, Future Fund Foundation, 2015-2017.
- Deakin University - Adjunct Professor, since 2017.
- Zoos Victoria - Director, 2015-2016.
- Tourism Victoria - Director, 2008-2013.
