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Josh Frydenberg reportedly sounded out for the AFL's top job

The former federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg could be swapping the nation's budget books for another high profile job with one of the country's most beloved institutions.

The former deputy leader of the Liberal party was the heir apparent of the party and considered by many to be a future prime minister. But after losing his seat in stunning fashion in May's election, Mr Frydenberg is looking for a career change.

The long-time Carlton Blues fan, 50, has reportedly been linked to the AFL's top job.

According to the Herald Sun, the league has sounded out Mr Frydenberg about replacing Gillon McLachlan as the next CEO.

The league has reportedly approached Josh Frydenberg over the AFL gig.
The league has reportedly approached Josh Frydenberg over the AFL's top gig. Source: AAP/Twitter

Mr McLachlan will step down from the role in September, after nearly a decade in the job.

The AFL is casting a wide net for his potential replacement, but it sounds like the former treasurer is likely to avoid the placement which, like politics, comes with a glaring spotlight.

"Josh loves his footy and is looking forward to attending more Carlton games with his young family but is pursuing other opportunities in the private sector," a source told the Herald Sun.

Given his relatively young age, there has been immense speculation about Mr Frydenberg's next move since his shock loss in the formerly safe Melbourne seat of Kooyong.

Josh Frydenberg is plotting his next step after the surprise election defeat. Source: AAP
Josh Frydenberg is plotting his next step after the surprise election defeat. Source: AAP

He has previously said he remains "motivated" to continue in politics with the potential for another member of the party to step aside in their federal seat in the future to make way for him. There has also been murmurs of the possibility of a switch to state politics in a bid to topple Labor premier Daniel Andrews.

However the former investment banker at Deutsche Bank has also said he could likely return to the business world.

Yahoo News Australia has contacted Mr Frydenberg's office for comment.

As for the AFL's top job, in lieu of a left-field candidate like Mr Frydenberg, former player and CEO of Richmond Brendon Gale and long-time AFL legal counsel Andrew Dillon are the reported frontrunners.

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