AFL Goulburn Murray League Operations Manager Simon Devine has tendered his resignation and will move to Melbourne to join the Northern Football League to head up their Football Operations department.
Devine has been with AFL Goulburn Murray since relocating from Queensland to Shepparton in January last year with his main area of responsibility being the operations of the Goulburn Valley Football League. His last day will be Wednesday 27 July.
"It has been a whirlwind 18 months but one which has been instrumental in my development as a football administrator" he said.
"The support I have received from AFL Goulburn Murray, the GVFL Board and GVFL Clubs and more so their volunteers made this role a pleasure to undertake and I will continue to take a keen interest in football in the region."
"I’m sure the support and assistance I have received from clubs will further grow and develop as the GVFL brand will only get stronger with the platform that has now been put in place."
AFL Goulburn Murray Region General Manager Martin Gleeson paid tribute to Devine’s contribution to local football in a short timeframe.
"Simon joined us in readiness for last season when we had just taken on the reigns of the GVFL administration and immediately had an impact" he said.
"His operational experience and expertise were instrumental in putting processes and procedures in place and he very quickly developed a strong rapport and working relationship with club volunteers."
"The streamlining of Tribunal operations, the introduction of live scoring and match filming, the provision of iPads to all clubs, an increase in social media and website traffic and an increase in service level and support for club volunteers have been cornerstones of the GVFL administration growth during Simon’s tenure."
"He has also been a valuable team member in the office and an important part of our staff working across all Leagues and contributing to other Commission projects over the past 18 months."
"On behalf of the football community we wish Simon the best of success in his new role."
GOTAFE Chairman David Roff praised Devine’s professionalism and work ethic.
"Simon has done an outstanding job in his 18 months working closely with the GVFL and its member clubs" he said.
"He has been professional, innovative and has gained the confidence of all he has worked with."
"As a Board we have enjoyed his energy, competence and sense of humour and whilst he will be a huge loss to us, we wish him well in what is an excellent career opportunity."
"He has put in place some excellent systems for his successor and the structure in the office gives us a deal of flexibility in how our operations are staffed."
Gleeson also announced that Grant Wilson will assume the League Operations Manager role for the rest of the season.
"Grant has done a fantastic job working with the KDFNL and on key Commission projects over the past 18 months" he said.
"He deserves the opportunity to step up into the role and given the timing of the season his appointment will also ensure we are able to minimise any disruption to what has been put in place for the GVFL this year."
"To maintain continuity with KDFNL clubs Grant will also continue to work with them in a leadership capacity for the rest of the season and we will be recruiting for a contract position as League Operations Officer to provide administrative and operational support until at least the end of October."
Last Modified on 30/09/2016 11:35