Hollands, who brings a wealth of football and business skills to the position, will fill the vacancy left by inaugural commissioner Geoff Lowcock, who stepped down due to health reasons.

AFLNEB chairman John Byrne said Hollands brought extensive experience to the role.

“Ben is a welcome addition to our structure, bringing with him the skill sets sought to complement our existing commissioners,” he said.

“As a father of young boys, Ben has a vast understanding of the local junior football environment, the pathways to senior football and the challenges and opportunities faced by clubs in the North East Border Region.

“With his experiences in South Australian football, Ben brings to the commission an understanding of programs and initiatives from outside the North East Border Region, which is exciting.”

Hollands was recruited by Sydney from North Albury before crossing to Richmond in 1998 and playing eight AFL games.

He also played 101 games for West Adelaide in the SANFL, winning two Fos Williams Medals for best on ground in state matches against the VFL.

Hollands also played in a premiership with Wodonga and coached the Bulldogs for four years.

The AFL North East Border Commission has now filled all nine commissioner positions ahead of its annual meeting in February.