06 December, 2024

Vale David Crawford AO



The Melbourne Cricket Club is deeply saddened by the passing of former Vice-President and Treasurer, David Crawford AO.

David Crawford

David joined the MCC Committee in January 1997, bringing with him a wealth of experience as a senior businessman with extensive connections across the business and government sectors.

His exceptional value to the Club was quickly recognised and he was appointed Treasurer in May 2001, before being elected Vice-President in 2009. By the time of his retirement in 2013, David had left a lasting legacy at the MCC.

His business acumen and affiliation with sporting bodies such as the AFL and Cricket Australia in his professional career aided in the negotiation of numerous Club arrangements during his tenure.

His leadership, wisdom and dedication were pivotal in securing the MCC’s ground management role when it was under threat in 1998.

Working alongside then-MCC President David Meiklejohn, David played a key role in facilitating the redevelopment of the ground and chaired the sub-committees responsible for the refurbishment of the Shane Warne Stand and the Yarra Park revitalisation project.

Outside of the MCC, David’s career portfolio included roles as Chairman of Foster’s Group, Lendlease, National Foods, KPMG, the Australian Ballet and South32. He also served as Director of BHP and Westpac and as a Council Member and Chairman of Scotch College in Melbourne.

In addition, he also authored four landmark Crawford Reports addressing structural reform in the AFL, cricket, soccer and the future of sport in Australia.

Remembered as a humble gentleman whose passion for business and sport was unmatched, David was deeply respected by his peers, who often admired his common-sense approach to navigating challenges and his commitment to excellence.

David was an integral part of the Melbourne Cricket Club community and he will be deeply missed.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the Club community during this difficult time.