THE AFL has poached Nicole Livingstone from the Australian Olympic Committee to run the national women’s competition.

The three-time Olympian has beaten what industry insiders say was a “Melbourne Cup-sized field” to be the league’s first Head of Women’s Football.

Livingstone, 46, will join the league next month to oversee the national AFLW competition and also all the AFL’s female footy programs.

CASHED UP: AFLW PLAYERS WIN BIG PAY RISE

Round 18

FULL FIXTURE: BLUES, MAGPIES TO KICK OFF SEASON

BEC GODDARD: PREMIERSHIP COACH IS STILL LEARNING

She will resign from her executive director position from the AOC and as deputy chairperson of Vic Health.

It is understood her ability to continue to serve on the board of the Sports Australia Hall of Fame and Swimming Australia is still being negotiated.

Livingstone won silver in the 4x100m medley and bronze in the 200m freestyle relay at the 1996 Atlanta Games and claimed a bronze in the 200m backstroke in ‘92 at Barcelona.

Nicole Livingstone will take on the role of AFLW CEO. Picture: Aaron Francis Source: News Corp Australia

She was a member of the Australian swimming teams for 12 years and won six Commonwealth Games gold medals and silver and bronze at World Championships.

She said that after a stellar inaugural AFLW season, which culminated in an Adelaide Grand Final victory over the previously unbeaten Brisbane Lions, she could not wait to start her role and lead the women’s game into the future.

“The growth of women’s AFL has been extraordinary,’’ she said.

“Every Australian girl can now actively pursue footy as their passion, past time or career.

“Importantly girls can now follow their dreams and as they do, we will continue to break down any barriers that may exist.

“I’m excited by the challenge of growing the sport from a community grassroots level right through to high performance along with ensuring the league is commercially sustainable.

Nicole Livingstone medals in Barcelona. Source: Supplied

Nicole Livingstone with daughter Ella and son Josh at the MCG. Source: News Limited

“There are many passionate AFL people around the country, all wanting to see the AFLW find its place in the hearts and minds of Australians and I look forward to connecting with them.”

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan confirmed Livingstone would join the league’s senior management team, and said he was “thrilled” by the appointment.

“Nicole is a champion in every sense – as an athlete, an administrator and an advocate for women in sport,” Mr McLachlan said.

“It is fantastic to get a person of her quality to lead our new national league.

“Our first season generated a groundswell of support, and I am thrilled that Nicole is going to join the team to turn that energy into a growing, sustainable and successful women’s competition.

“Nicole has served sport at the highest level and I am so pleased that our game has attracted someone of her quality and capacity.’’