[1][2] He worked across various roles at the league, where he was involved in the legal department, broadcasting, fixturing, and game development.

[4] In July 2017 following media reports of "inappropriate relationships" within AFL headquarters, McLachlan announced that Lethlean had resigned from his position within the league.

[6] It emerged that Lethlean had been involved in an extra-marital relationship with a younger female staff member from the AFL's New South Wales office.

[7] The relationship had begun a year earlier in August 2016, but had ended prior to Lethlean taking on the football operations role.

[1][10] The role became vacant following a restructure caused by the departure of Saints chief operating officer Ameet Bains.