New SANFL Commission Chairman and President appointed

[Big Phil]

http://www.sanfl.com.au/news/sanfl_news/1403/

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

JOHN OLSEN APPOINTED TO LEAD SA FOOTBALL COMMISSION

The SA Football Commission and the SANFL are pleased to announce that Hon. John Olsen AO has been appointed unopposed to the position of SA Football Commission Chairman and SANFL President.

Mr Olsen commences the role today (Tuesday, November 30), replacing long-serving SA Football Commission Chairman Rod Payze.

Mr Payze indicated his intention to retire earlier this year after serving as the Commission Chairman since 2003.

Mr Olsen, who served as South Australian Premier from 1996 to 2001 and Australian Consul-General to Los Angeles and New York from 2002 to 2009, joined the SA Football Commission in February 2010 and has a long-standing association with country and SANFL football.

“I am honoured to be given the opportunity to provide leadership to what is not only the state’s major sporting code but also one of its leading businesses,” Mr Olsen said.

“South Australian football is at a pivotal time in its history and it is how we deal with the challenges and opportunities ahead that will determine what football in this state looks like in 15 to 20 years’ time.

“It is a tremendously exciting time and I am looking forward to working with my fellow Commissioners and the League Directors to continue to grow and protect football in South Australia at all levels.”

Executive Commissioner Leigh Whicker said Mr Olsen would bring sporting and business acumen of the highest calibre to the role.

“John’s experience in business, regional development, diplomacy and multicultural affairs at the highest levels is ideally suited to an organisation that requires expertise in all of these areas,” Mr Whicker said.

“We are delighted to welcome John to the position and believe he will provide outstanding leadership and direction for the SANFL.”

Mr Whicker also paid tribute to Rod Payze’s long and dedicated service to the SA Football Commission.

“Rod, a League Life Member, has worked tirelessly in his role as Commission Chairman since 2003 and has been a vital part of our success story,” Mr Whicker said.

“On behalf of the SA Football Commission and everybody at the SANFL, we would like to wish him the best in his retirement.”

SA Football Commission Deputy Chairman Jamie Coppins, who was appointed to the Commission in 1995 and became Deputy Chairman in 2008, was not a contender for the position of Chairman and will continue in his current role.

Mr Olsen is a Life Member of West Adelaide Football Club and was the club’s No. 1 ticket holder for 17 years prior to his overseas posting.

His early association with Kadina Football Club was influenced by his father, who served as Club President. This involvement was later cemented during his tenure as Kadina Mayor in the 1970s.

[darley16]

Another old-boy AFL pupett appointment no doubt to keep Leigh Whicker safe. The SANFL administration needs young blood commited to strengthening and protecting SANFL competition not weak kneed followers who bow to Victorian/AFL influences who continue to twist OUR competition to satisfy their requirements.

[Brucetiki]

Dear God No!

This can only spell disaster for the league

[Bluedemon]

what a very interesting choice, down the gurgler state footy goes, just like the way he lead his party.

[dedja]

Motorola anyone?

[Big Phil]

From Localfootysa...

Former Premier to head SANFL and Football Commission- By Reece Homfray

[dedja]

*cough* ETSA *cough*

[nickname]

Anyone else find it passing strange that the least experienced Commissioner gets the top job?

[dedja]

Not really ... the AFL have a lawyer as their Football Operations Manager who wouldn't know one end of a footy from the other.

[MagareyLegend]

Not really ... the AFL have a lawyer as their Football Operations Manager who wouldn't know one end of a footy from the other.

^ Why do people just make things up?

The AFL Football Operations Manager is Ross Monaghan who is a talented and experienced football administrator and one with an intimate knowledge of succesful young talent around Australia. His previous roles include Football Operations Manager with the Melbourne and Richmond Football Clubs.

[dedja]

Not really ... the AFL have a lawyer as their Football Operations Manager who wouldn't know one end of a footy from the other.

^ Why do people just make things up?

The AFL Football Operations Manager is Ross Monaghan who is a talented and experienced football administrator and one with an intimate knowledge of succesful young talent around Australia. His previous roles include Football Operations Manager with the Melbourne and Richmond Football Clubs.

LOL, my mistake ... Adrian Anderson is the AFL Football Operations General Manager.

[Reddeer]

What the!!!

[bayman]

Not really ... the AFL have a lawyer as their Football Operations Manager who wouldn't know one end of a footy from the other.

^ Why do people just make things up?

The AFL Football Operations Manager is Ross Monaghan who is a talented and experienced football administrator and one with an intimate knowledge of succesful young talent around Australia. His previous roles include Football Operations Manager with the Melbourne and Richmond Football Clubs.

well i've learnt something because i thought dedja was right mind you dedja is probably correct on his football ability though

[Brucetiki]

Motorola anyone?

Hindmarsh Stadium as well (remember it was a white elephant before Adelaide United)

[dedja]

Motorola anyone?

Hindmarsh Stadium as well (remember it was a white elephant before Adelaide United)

We got enough on him or should we add the National Wine Centre? ... which I might add the University of Adelaide picked up for a song.

Anyway, good luck to him ... I hope he represents the interests of SA Football well.

[lesthemechanic]

*cough* ETSA *cough*

Never trusted this bloke since he told us before an election that he was NOT going to sell ETSA, he won the election & he LEASED ETSA out for 125 years. He didn't lie, but he wasn't upfront either.

[mrjbeam1981]

southern expressway?

[topsywaldron]

Anyone else see Olsen on the news last night refusing to rule out AFL reserves teams in the SANFL?

Not a good start.

[dedja]

*cough* ETSA *cough*

Never trusted this bloke since he told us before an election that he was NOT going to sell ETSA, he won the election & he LEASED ETSA out for 125 years. He didn't lie, but he wasn't upfront either.

Sorry to be pedantic, but the lease is 199 years ...

[gossipgirl]

well at least all of the clubs finance woes will be solved. they will all be sold/outsourced to India or China within the next few years.

At least will be able to get a good curry at the footy or maybe some dim sims