Q: What got you started as a sports administrator?
I first started back on Kangaroo Island in my single days as Secretary of Wisanger Netball Club. Many years later when we moved to Wangary I was asked to attend at a meeting as the Junior Secretary was unavailable that night…They forgot to tell me it was for the next meeting and the next meeting etc etc!!!!!!
Q: What football administration roles have you done and for which organizations?
- Started as Junior secretary for Marble Range Football Club
- Senior Secretary MRFC
- Secretary Treasury for senior committee MRFC
- President MRFC for 2 years
- Secretary of EP Junior Cricket
- Secretary / Treasurer of Port Lincoln Cricket Association
- Football Operation Manager for PLFL 6 years
- On the Executive Committee of Mortlock Shield for 12 years,
as Chair for 4 years - Team Manager for EP girls team that played in Port Pirie
Q: Best part about being a sports administrator?
- The people you meet and work with… all wanting the best for the sport
- Seeing improvements to the system each year
Q: Hardest part about being a sports administrator?
- Tribunals
- Unable to please everyone
- Looking into the crystal ball trying to plan ahead
Q: Who was the best player(s) you have seen produced locally (apart from your four sons)?
- I can’t go past Eddie Betts… I call him a Port Lincoln boy as he was playing for Mallee Park when he was selected in the EP U15 team. Graham Johncock would also have to be up there
- Port Lincoln and EP can be extremely proud of the amazing players that have had the opportunity to play AFL.. there are so many great past players and so many doing well in teams at the moment
- It is also great to see EP girls playing in the AFLW
Q: Which is the most memorable game(s) you have seen in the Port Lincoln competition?
- Can’t go past 2004 Grandfinal between Marble Range and Waybacks (Marble Range won!!)
Q: Which is the most memorable game(s) you have seen in the Norwood Cup?
- I love the Norwood Cup games as we are watching the great young talent of EP… no particular games stands out….
- This is just a great opportunity to watch our future stars play
Q: Which is the most memorable game(s) you have seen in the Mortlock Shield Championships?
- This is also hard as I look forward to just watching the development of players from the other EP Leagues
- This Carnival gives the players the opportunity to play at the next level and represent EP and then State Country
Q: What advice would you give to someone contemplating being involved in football administration?
- Be prepared to listen and think outside the square
- You will get lots of advice… listen but look at the big picture…..we need a competion that will survive
Q: What do you think the Port Lincoln Football League will look like in ten years?
- We will be playing Netball and Football together!!!!
- It was so great that Tasman Imperials took up the challenge last year to play both football and Netball out at Wangary
- This year both Tasman Imperials and Boston Football/Netball will be playing at Wangary.. that is so progressive and thank you to all three clubs involved
- Will we still have 6 clubs???? Huge question as player numbers are an issue
- I believe that changes that could happen in other Leagues will have a flow on effect to PLFL so we need to be thinking outside the square
Q: Are you still involved in football? If yes, in what capacity?
- I time keep for Marble Range A Grade when they play in Port Lincoln
- I am also on a small football /netball committee.. looking at how we can work together
Q: Anything else you would like to share?
- I would just like to say thank you to everyone I have worked with
- I have been fortunate enough to work with great supportive people in all my roles
- Thank you to Marble Range Football Club for giving me the opportunity to start my administration roles over here and also to Port Lincoln Football League for accepting me as Football Operation Manager….
- Thank you to the other EP leagues who entrusted me as chair of Mortlock Committee.. it was great working with them all
- Certainly appreciate and honoured by my Life Memberships of both Marble Range and Western Zone Juniors
