LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION OF NWFL (and NTFL) by NWFL patron Ian Wotherspoon

1987 – present

The following is a summary of those who have led the NWFL since its inception in 1987.

It is not intended to be critical, but is hopefully factual, based on the interpretations of  the league’s longest  serving leader/ administrator, Ian Wotherspoon.         It’s narrative style is intended.

Foundation of League

The NWFL (then the Northern Tasmanian Football League) began in 1987, having been formed by 12 clubs from the former NTFA and NWFU, after other clubs from those bodies chose to join the controversial State League.

It extended from Scottsdale to Smithton; in its history 17 clubs have been affiliated, with only four having been there for the whole journey (Latrobe, Ulverstone, Penguin and Wynyard).

Five former State League clubs at various stages have been affiliated, with only two, Devonport and the Burnie Dockers currently (and welcomely) still involved.

In 2015, as  a result of significant demographic changes to the competition its name was appropriately changed to the North West Football League of Tasmania. (NWFL)_

Despite this multitude of changes, largely as a result of astute, strong leadership the NWFL (preceded by NTFL) has universally been recognized as the strongest regional football body in Tasmania, both off the field and on. Some have argued “the strongest football body in the state, bar none (years ago)

Only in one era (around  2002 – 2003)  was there any instability within the league. Otherwise stability has  always been  a key to the league’s prosperity and respect..

The Foundation Executive:

President:             Neil Rawson (more on him shortly)

Vice-Presidents :  Laurie Caelli:  Launceston resident – MAIB chief

          “                  Royce Viney:  Latrobe orchardist, heavily involved with Latrobe F.C. and NWFU

Independent:        Geoff Lidgerwood: Launceston, Independent but very supportive of Scottsdale F.C.!

         “                   Reg Cullen:  Devonport, former teacher, sports store owner, Wynyard, D’port F.C.’s

Co-Patrons:          John Orchard:  Launceston, iconic leader of NTFA and State League critic

        “                    Wilf. Barker:   Penguin, former Government Minister, Penguin,  NWFU

General Manager: Don Younger: N.W. Coast . Well respected  administrator.

Sub-committees:

Back in those days it was easy to find people prepared to help; not only was there a Tribunal (which sat straight after games), but there was also a seven man Permit/Appeals Committee (which often had to adjudicate in cases where a player sought a  clearance to another league club, or permit to an affiliate’s club) and even a marketing/ promotions committee, beside those who looked after  the then Queen Quest.

In those early days it was  imperative to involve people from both  the north and north west of the state to ensure an even balance when it came to decision making. But not  all:

Interestingly, Scottsdale travelled all the way  to West Park Burnie and Latrobe to compete in its three grand finals!  A  few of the Magpie Army were known to squawk.

Umpiring:

The North West Umpires Association has provided umpires to the NWFL throughout the league’s history, while their northern counterparts provided support at stages, particularly for matches in the North.

The relationship between the league and both bodies has always been remarkably co-operative and to the   NWUA  in particular the league owes its members  over many years a debut of gratitude. They have always been a critical part of  the league with any issues being amicably resolved. Unlike some umpire bodies there has never been a “them and us” attitude.

Apart from umpire numbers, it has always been one area which operated smoothly.

And our umpires  don ‘t  make any more mistakes than we see in the AFL on TV!

PRESIDENTS

Neil Rawson  OAM    1987-1994    (8 years)

Neil Rawson was a thorough gentleman, who handled the rough and tumble of footy administration with aplomb. An accountant by profession, seriously religious and with deep pockets.

His commitment to his community was unsurpassed – Lions Club, Tennis Club, Show Society  and Anglican Church  were  examples, while the  Ulverstone F.C. where he  was a longtime secretary and Life Member ‘kick started’ his footy involvement (besides his fascination with Hawthorn).

He was an Independent Director in the latter years of the former NWFU.

Very few people could not get along with Neil and his leadership, especially during those foundation years helped ensure the north and north west entities worked together; you just could not help but like him.

I found he had a great manner of making his point, always in a calm, reasoned way, even if his view was contrary to yours; in my case (some might say unusually) he often brought me around to his point of view. But he never ‘told you what to do’.

Despite being an ‘independent’ president he always followed the Robins – from Smithton to Scottsdale, helped by the fact his  son Leigh played for Ulverstone.

Neil kept records of Leigh’s  possessions in his program. Often, if an Ulverstone player got a possession  on the far side of the ground who Neil couldn’t  quite identify, with Leigh nearby, no. 4 would be credited.

Leigh’s late father-in-law was a rather outspoken, strong-viewed individual  who for two years was Ulverstone’s league director.  Neil handled him strongly, but diplomatically, obviously not wanting to

upset the family relationship.

Neil was a foundation  NWFL Hall of Fame member, joint first Life Member of the league and was recognized state wide by being inducted into the  Tasmanian Hall of Fame.

Time moved on and  Neil decided  he must do likewise, but not until a successor was primed and ready to take over a thriving sporting body.

At the 1994 AGM he stepped down.

But we were not done with him because  in 1996 he joined Paddy Martin as co-patron, a position he held with distinction (still following Ulverstone) until his passing in 2014.

It’s unlikely there will ever be another Neil Rawson OAM.

David Templeton    1995-97       (3 years)

‘Temp’ had big shoes  to fill and he did it admirably. The former top field umpire  thought his footy days were over when his then brother-in-law, who was then General-Manager talked him into joining the league as an independent director.

At the time he was a Smithton based school principal and in 1991 he became an independent ; they must have seen some potential because in 1993 and 1994 he was vice-president, before taking over from Neil Rawson as president in 1995, a position he held for three years.

His contribution as a convenor and debater was significant.

Being at far away Smithton probably meant a loss of input or control over the operations of the incoming Devonport based GM for much  of  his reign.

David stepped down after seven years on the Executive, but it wasn’t long before he was recruited elsewhere – to AFL Tasmania as its Chairman and from what we understand, filled the role exceptionally well during great change in Tasmanian football.

He now lives a happy life in retirement, but the Templeton name wouldn’t allow him to get away completely, he  having been a member of the NWFL Appeals Committee for the last 13 years, while son Phil has been on the Tribunal, including Chairman for the same time, co-incidence I can assure you.

Garth Smith     1998       (one year)

I don’t know how Garth’s appointment came about, but he had had no experience on the Board and lasted just one year, with Thomas Gunn being GM at the time.  He was a local businessman.

Garth’s playing days were significant, having played at both ends of the state in premiership teams, being a state  representative player and later becoming a member of the Tasmanian Hall of Fame.

He had a  stint as president of the Devonport Football Club.

John Perkins     1999 – 2002             (4 years)

John had strong ties to the Latrobe Football Club and to the Latrobe region generally, having been elected a Councilor during his career.

He became a member of the Executive in 1997 and two years later was elected president, defeating Garth Smith in a ballot.

He didn’t shy away from controversy.

The controversial and expensive departure of General Manager  Thomas Gunn occurred on his watch, as did the re-location of league Headquarters in an ideal location in Devonport to shared facilities at the Latrobe Football Club rooms, with valuable property and memorabilia stored outside in a container (which leaked!).

The fact there were four different GM’s during John’s four year term is indicative of his style. In  my view, he suffered  from a  degree of megalomania. Sorry John.

And he took on (rightly, one could say)  AFL Tasmania, seeking a better deal for footy in our part of the state. Don’t know that he succeeded though.

At the end of 2002 some clubs had had enough, with North Launceston President and League Director  Reg Lyons leading the charge which meant the end of  ‘Perko’…..and out he walked.

Some public comments he’d made were the final straw.

Soon after, he returned to footy, this time as President of the now defunct Leven Football Association, which included acting as a field umpire, following which he returned to the Latrobe club,  often  lending a hand on the hamburger stand, with a two year term as club President indicative of his commitment.    He also became a latter day academic., with university studies  an interest.

That was our John, who was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident interstate in 2022.

Gary Carr   2003          (one year)

Gary was North Launceston’s  foundation  NWFL director in 2001 (before being replaced by Reg Lyons)

In 2002 he replaced Ian Wotherspoon as General Manager, having convinced the John Perkins led Executive his attributes warranted his appointment, primarily from his Launceston based abode.

He was part of the coup which saw the departure of Perko at the end of that year and in 2003 became President himself, with ‘Wother’ returning as GM.

Apparently an opportunity arose whereby Football Tasmania (or whatever they were called in those days) offered  him  an opportunity to work for them (while also being NWFL  President). The clubs wouldn’t have a bar of that so out went Gary – after just one year at the helm.

He remained a friend of  the NWFL and for many years  made the journey  with wife Geraldine to Latrobe for the traditional grand final festivities.

Geoff Squibb       2004 – 2008          (5 years)

What a stroke of good fortune it was to have Geoff Squibb  join the league as its president, thanks to a thoughtful East Devonport President Terry Griffiths.

Geoff, a former MLC, Devonport Mayor and sports fan, with a love of Devonport and Collingwood clubs gave the league much needed status. Ironically his former wife Helen, was a devout East Devonport fan and worker.

Despite living in Hobart he frequently travelled the highways for NWFL activities, although I don’t  recall seeing him at Smithton games! In   fact one year he attended 20 out of 21 meetings

He was well respected in the broader community, was not afraid to take on  our Hobart based ‘masters’ and was the best chairer of meetings I have ever encountered across a multitude of organisations. His meeting discipline made a secretary’s job so much easier and kept the troops in line.

It was on his watch that the NWFL, representing Tasmania became involved with the Australian Amateur Football Council interstate competition, in 2008 hosting and narrowly going down to Western Australia in Devonport, before going onto greater success in subsequent years.

Geoff handed over the reigns at the end of 2008, knowing that his successor was ready to take over.

Andrew Richardson      2009   -  2022        (14 years)

In 2005 Andrew was invited to join the NWFL  Executive by General Manager and fellow Independent Ian Wotherspoon, following a playing career  at  Ulverstone, then coaching at  Penguin, Devonport and Latrobe.  He is a Life Member at Ulverstone.

At the end of 2008  Geoff Squibb thought the time was right, so stood aside to allow ‘Richo’ to become leader; he  had obviously impressed after four years as an Independent.

And what a contribution he made, both to the NWFL and to football generally in Tasmania; and he was a ‘hands on’ President.

At a state level he was instrumental in the establishment of the (since abandoned) Tasmanian Football Council which sought to increase the status of regional football in particular.

He was heavily involved  with Tasmania’s (through the NWFL) involvement in the AAFC (since too, abandoned) both at an administrative level  and on the playing/coaching   side of things.

Traditionally the NWFL and its administration did not have a good relationship with the  State body and its personnel, particularly CEO Scott Wade. Richo calmed  the waters there, befriending our  one-time nemesis, which ultimately was for the betterment of our league and football generally on the NW Coast and elsewhere.

He was not only the leader, but constantly  contributed much to the administration side of  the NWFL,  including Match Committee Chairman, Rep. team Chairman of Selectors, Games’ Statistician and Registrar.

During Vicki Slater’s  nine years as league Secretary (GM), Andrew assumed the  role as media spokesman on all issues, even the day to day  nuts and bolts matters, due to Vicki’s reluctance to be responsible for that area.  Richo thrived on it actually.

But having a high media profile meant attending football matches could be fraught with danger, copping abuse from knowledgeable (?) fans. To avoid this he  often ‘hid’ from the public by sitting in his car, perching high in the grandstand or locating himself in a quiet part of the ground.

He was lucky that his employer, Tim Mead, at MeadCon allowed him the time for football matters when he was being paid as a senior administrator in the building industry.

And like all NWFL Presidents he never sought remuneration for what he did, and he did more than any.

In 2015 he was awarded the Patrons Service to Football award, became a member of the Hall of Fame in 2018 and in 2022 was bestowed the honour of Life Membership of the League.

While he was at the helm the NWFL took over the operation of junior football on the coast,  introduced Women’s football and as indicated, his relationship with AFL Tasmania, particularly Scott Wade was such that since 2011 the state body has provided office accommodation for the league and in more recent years paid the wages of administration staff.

But by 2021,  he’d had enough, worn out, time to relax, time for a change, so at the end of 2022, after 18 years  he retired from active duty, with a  new leader ready to roll.

Andrew Richardson would be respected by  football administrators throughout Tasmania.

Garry Carpenter     2023 - present

The league was fortunate . someone with ‘Carp’s experience came on board as President.

He is a life member of the Penguin Football Club, having been player, coach and President. For seven years he was the club’s NWFL Director. He coached the Burnie Tigers in the late 1980’s, including the team’s  narrow loss in the 1988 grand final.

In 2005 his service was recognized by his being inducted into the NWFL Hall of Fame.

He is a Central Coast Councillor, having spent terms as Deputy Mayor and is a leader in the dairy industry, attending milk conferences throughout the country (without the cows!).

Please note:

Some references above and below to the NWFL in some instances refer to the NTFL

GENERAL MANAGERS

Refers to the person responsible for the administration, because of varying roles some were Administration Officer, Secretary, Executive Officer and Competition Manager.

We never did get around to appointing a C.E.O. – the more modern terminology!

From 1987 – 2012 (less 2010) the position was ‘General Manager’

Don Younger     1987 -   March 1989     (>2  years)       (G.M.)

Don’s background included Show Society involvement,  followed by his being secretary for the last five years  of the NWFU.

He was largely responsible for the administrative aspect of getting the (former) NTFL up and running at the end of 1986; combining the logistics of creating a competition of  five northern clubs from the NTFA with seven north west clubs, and what a job he did.

He had a high, professional presence with a ‘gift of the gab’ and  was  very well respected. My understanding is (from a now deceased excellent source)  that he was highly sensitive to criticism.

It was a different era and Don  had the ability to convince potential sponsors of the value of being involved with our league.

In 1987 NatWest provided  $65,000, while Tasmanian Breweries gave $30,000 – way back more than three decades ago.! Total sponsorship that year was worth $199,787, the following year $187,282.

Compare that to today’s sponsorship. Imagine  $200K and $65K at today’s values.

Unbelievable, but Don was a smart man: he came up with the logo “NTFL – Top League in Tasmania”, which was a play on our geographical location with the underlying aim being to convince people we were the ‘top league’ in the state, bearing in mind there was also a ‘state league’..

That logo remains affixed to the main office desk at HQ, at my insistence.

Don built a bit of an ‘empire’ around him, with respect to staff, with at least three part-timers in the office doing the nuts and bolts things while Don looked at the bigger picture. Given the above they could certainly afford it.

It was not uncommon for Don on a Friday to travel  to Launceston to have lunch with a sponsor.

Anyway, he chose to move on after a bit over two years at the head of the fledgling league.

Great credit to Don for those foundation years.

Towards the end of the 1989 season the new GM invited Don and wife to the Best & Fairest count at the Launceston Casino, as a goodwill gesture. Included on the invite was Cost:  $20  (or $30, whatever it was in those days). The GM soon got a letter back from Mrs Younger castigating him for charging them to go to the function. They didn’t attend.

Ian Wotherspoon    1989-1995:  2001:    2003-2009:  2011-2012:  (<16 years)    (G.M.)

I could write a book on him, but  won’t.                                   Only 1.5 pages

My first little job was as an outsider, recruited by Don to be  ground announcer at the Devonport Oval for the 1988 Grand Final, which my childhood  club East Devonport won by four points.

What an awesome career it’s been to have been (and still be)  involved with such a wonderful sporting body, its clubs and the people associated with them, plus umpires, media, sponsors and other football bodies.

Initially taking over from Don I inherited some key office personnel including secretary  Diane McCarthy, but it soon became apparent (with diminishing income) we could no longer afford them, so the GM took on a broader role.

In those days every player had to sign a registration form every year, which meant more than a thousand relevant pieces of paper hit the office to be recorded and signed. Reams of fax paper were used. Permit applications  to country clubs were rife.

The GM’s roles way back then included:  Registrar (until 2000) Program editor (until 2001), Statistician/Historian (until 2000), Media man, including two radio shows a week and occasional TV programs, as well as sponsorship seeking and general administrative business, including meetings.

He even paid the 100+  (individual) umpires monthly and  did their annual group certificates.

He ran everything, all for, in my first year  $27,000 p.a., plus a sponsored vehicle, rising to near $30,000 in my final year – at an average of 50+ hours per week (80 around finals time). And  loved  it.

In later years remuneration for me at the NWFL was not an issue, I knew that clubs could not afford to pay more and accordingly did not seek increases.

Indeed after my first six years I was lured away with a  substantial offer to a managerial role at The Advocate (a subsequent  takeover ended that).  I later served as manager at the Devonport Football Club (where the money was poor) and had a stint in the Premier’s Department on good dollars, but computer skills (or lack of ) let me down there.                       Sorry, I’ve digressed……..

The media profile was huge, picture in the paper every week + radio (not the ABC of course – often at war with them). The Advocate and Examiner were brilliant with Terry Morris at the Ex providing exposure which meant competition for the Advocate, who at times needed a bit of jar from the GM. Still do.

And we were good mates socially as well. Most journos used to love a drink.

Oh how times have  changed.     The Examiner, Channel7, ABC ignore us.

And of course there were no computers way back then, with mobile phones barely invented either.

Representative football has always been high on my list; it’s imperative players are given a chance to play at that higher level and enjoy the mate-ship of  other players, who otherwise are opposition .

Just to watch the higher standard at rep squad training and  see what being part of it means to players (and others involved) really gets to me. North West players have always been so proud to be a  part of. (our league).

And our success rate is further proof of our status in Tasmanian football.

In 1987 Don got us into a competition known as the Victorian Country Football League. We paid our way twice to Victoria to play, and on two occasions they came here – and guess what the deal was; we had to pay for them to come here!  So after three years an end was  put to that.

In 1990 we lost to the TFL Under 23’s in  Hobart by 120 points but two years later we turned the  tables, beating them by  three points- in the south  – one of the highlights of NWFL history. Since that time we’ve lost just three rep. games against Tasmanian opposition.  But it will get tougher, mark my words.

The next really proud moment was in 2008 when a Tasmanian team comprised entirely of NWFL players lost to Western Australia by just 11 points in an Australian Amateur Football Council Under 23’s game in Devonport; that game was the fore-runner of a series of games for fully representative teams over the next few years – yet another example of the NWFL’s leadership in Tasmanian football.

Now, getting back to Admin. From the huge  hours Don and I, and I presume Thomas put in, under guess who’s leadership the role became part-time (in theory). They knew that ‘get the right person we’ll get the job done -working more hours’ – and they did, Vicki too was part-time throughout.

Of course administrators of recent years haven’t had the work to do of their predecessors, more has been shared.   Thankfully, today’s GM   Morgan is paid as a full-time administrator.

Yes, times change.

Regional football, Women’s football, Junior football – all now under the NWFL banner;  great.

Now, I can’t let this go without commenting on my relationship with Scott Wade of AFL Tasmania (and whatever previous name it had). We were often at loggerheads; I thought I was right, he thought he was. But he was much smarter than me and far more articulate. Anyway, we were at a function in Ulverstone one day and he told the audience “I did what I thought was best for Tasmanian football and Ian did what he thought was best for northern football.”  Fair call.

Anyway we  shared a beer and have done since.

I won’t mention here  the issue over ‘the map’ logo on our jumpers when we played in the AAFC.  Ask me.

Over the years you make decisions and perhaps also say some regrettable (with hindsight) things; I may have upset some people along the way, but almost without exception I’ve found ‘time heals’ and we move on. But as Wade said: “we did what we thought was best…”

As an aside: I’m renowned for being a  bit of a ‘Constitutional expert’, having a good understanding of such documents. Well, how then did others (and I) allow me to be a member of the Executive for seven years (including one as vice-president) when also General Manager?  Genuine oversight.

Along the way, I’ve been lucky enough to be recognized with Life Membership and inducted into the NWFL Hall of Fame, alongside some fantastic contributors.

So now  I’ve backed right off, apart from doing a bit on the side just to help.

Historian since 2013 (still struggling with computers).

Co-Patron or Patron for 10 years and help Vicki and then Morgan with a few little jobs such as Baldock medal count, finals involvement and a bit of correctional work with published documents, ie.  proof reading..

It’s such a thrill being involved with such a wonderful organization and  people, even after 27 years.

I look forward to the NWFL continuing to be “Top League in Tasmania” – Good call Don.

Thomas Gunn      1995 – 1999                 (G.M.)        (<5 years)

This member of the famous Launceston business family was recruited to take over from the above.

He operated under three Presidents and shall I say,  was an entirely different operator from his two predecessors?

Comments were often made about the state of the office during his time.

In 1999 his role included that of ‘Regional Manager’ but I don’t really know what that entailed; it lasted only that year and Thomas went at its end,  in non-amicable circumstances.

My understanding is he got on well during his three year tenure with David Templeton at the helm.

Judy Hanson      2000                 (G.M.)    (one year)

Judy was a receptionist/ typist at The Examiner newspaper who was recruited in a part-time role in the John Perkins era, working out of the shared Latrobe Football Club facility. Perko’s hands-on style limited what Judy had to do, with Margo Short being appointed Registrar and journalist Rod Morris having an involvement as well.

Judy stayed just the one year. Her time was during an unstable era, with the Executive consisting of  just four members..

2001     Guess who?     Ian W 

 (refer above)

Gary Carr      2002                 (G.M.)                (one year)

More on Gary in the Presidents’ category above, but he was appointed to replace Ian Wotherspoon for the 2002 season, with his perceived  forte being his ability to gain (increased) sponsorship, which in fact he did. (From $22,000 to  $36,000)      Compare the Don Younger era.

He was part of the coup which got rid of Perko at the end of that year, taking on the role of President, with then-Penguin club league Director Ian Wotherspoon being re-recruited as GM.

Ian Wotherspoon               2003 – 2009                     (G.M.)

(refer above)

Steven Mooney                2010       (Admin. Officer)        (One year)

Ian Wotherspoon chose to retire (for the first time) at the end of 2009, to pursue a  wish to travel, so the league advertised the position, with Steven being appointed. A hands-on President, sub-committees and individuals lightened the load for him, but I understand, he struggled.

Previously he’d had some involvement with the East Devonport club.

A highlight of the year for football administrators is the finals, especially the grand final; it’s the culmination of what you’ve been working for all season. It’s an exciting, but busy time.

Richo could see Steve was struggling, I’d just returned from the UK and Switzerland and he asked me to ‘run the finals’ – I’d be finals co-ordinator.  Poor old Steve said to me: “I’m over  finals.”

Steve chose to move on some time later, and guess who came back – for another two years?

Ian Wotherspoon            2011   -  2012             (G.M.)

(refer above)

Vicki Slater         2013 – 2020           (Executive Officer)              (8 years)

Richo in 2012 knew I wanted  to retire (again) and asked me to find someone who I knew was capable and who could ‘work with me’ to eventually take over.

Well previously I’d been through the files on job applicants, particularly the ones related to the last appointment. Vicki Slater had been an applicant, I knew her from her days as Ulverstone secretary and thought and later asked: “how on earth did she miss out on that job?”

I found out and it was not her fault Steve got the job in 2010.

So I rang her and next thing here she is, providing great servjce for nine years.

Her first year, 2012 was as secretary, learning the ropes from myself – and we knew we had a good’n.

Vicki has a great personality, gets on well with  people, but shuns the limelight and just gets on with the job; and she has a very supportive family. She and Richo got on so well.

She had an aversion to being involved with the media.

Eventually AFL Tasmania began paying her wages, for what was supposed to be a part-time job, but at peak periods it was full-on.

During Vicki’s time the NWFL went from just 18 teams (six clubs x 3 levels) to 53 teams; the Women’s comp. started and the junior competition involving 27 teams came under league control.

Vicki retired at the end of 2020, immediately joining the Executive where she is a member of the Junior Match and  Ambassador  Quest Committee.

In 2018 her contribution was recognized when she was presented with the  Patrons Service to Football Award.

Morgan Hughes   2021   -  present         (Competition Manager)        (3 years)

In 2020 this young man from Victoria was appointed by AFL Tasmania to run the NWFL junior competition, be responsible for umpire appointments and run the NWFA. He didn’t get a chance.

That dreaded disease Covid hit, all AFL staff were stood down, so Morgan headed back to the  city, almost before he got started. He returned and upon Vicki’s departure  took over the admin role in 2021 on a full-time basis, paid by AFL Tasmania and what an asset he’s been. Of course, being full time means his responsibilities have been expanded.

Some thought, being a Victorian he’d come here and tell us how to run the show. Not at all.

He’s a great listener whose attributes, (unfortunately for the NWFL) probably mean he will go much further in the industry.

His competence in all aspects cannot be questioned  (except for office tidying, but there’s some justification for that!)

Why, he can even type the meeting minutes while the meeting is in progress – unlike at least one predecessor!

Morgan, an absolute asset to the NWFL, who in my experience at least, listens and has a fantastic understanding  of all things football, and more.

He just ‘gets things done.’

And indeed, he has more qualifications  than any predecessor, Victorian university no less.

AFL Tasmania, who pay him, title his role as ‘Competition Manager’. He’s more than that, he runs the whole show and should at least be a General Manager, if not C.E.O.?

Information   contd…….

PATRONS/ CO-PATRONS

2018     -                  I.R.   Ian Wotherspoon

2015    -   2017        G.B. (Paddy) Martin                               I.R.   Ian Wotherspoon

1996    -   2014        G.B. (Paddy) Martin                               N.R.  Neil Rawson     O.A.M.

1992   -    1995        J.R.  John  Orchard                                 G.B.  (Paddy) Martin   B.E.M.

1989   -    1991        J.R.  John Orchard                        

1987   -    1988        J.R. John Orchard    (ex NTFA)             W.E. Wilfred Barker  C.B.E.  (ex NWFU)

Note: Paddy Martin   26 years 

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Modern era to ancient era (1987)

Garry Carpenter, Leigh French, Vicki Slater, Shannon Bakes, Shane Lee, Barry Gaby, Kim Miles, Geoff Rootes, Mark Williams, Ben Lillas, Ron Ansell, Wayne Elphinstone, Andrew Buchhorn, Steve Smyth, Andrew Richardson, Stephen Tyson, Graeme Wilkinson, Geoff Squibb, Rob Soward, Phillip Atkins, Gary Carr, Ian Wotherspoon, Kerry Sanders, Michael Bennett, Geoff Page, Keith Ives, Alan Broomhall, Peter Colgrave, John Perkins, Keith Rawlings, Philip Dell,  Ian Wright, Tony Stonjek, David Templeton, Michael Barnes, Reg Cullen, Geoff Lidgerwood, Royce Viney, Laurie Caelli,

Neil Rawson.

Note:  Andrew Richardson and Alan Broomhall hold the record – 18 years as  Independent Directors, followed by Andrew Buchhorn 17 years (to 2023)

PERMIT AND APPEALS COMMITTEE

Modern era to ancient era  (1987)

Mike Gaffney  MLC, Paul Fletcher, David Templeton, Graham Stagg, Graeme Brown, Bill Harris,

Garry Carpenter, John Febey, Kim Holland,  Duncan Fairley, Rob Hart, Noel Atkins, Neil Rawson, Paddy Martin, Ian Wright

There was a period of five years during the late 1990’s/early 2000 when no records are available.

1996 – 1987

Noel Atkins, Clyde Eastaugh, Ray ‘Rox’ Hales, Robbie Johnstone, Harry Stackpoole, Rodney Loone,

David Anning.

Note:   Mike Gaffney MLC (19 years to 2023), Paul Fletcher (15 years to 2023)

TRIBUNAL

Modern era to ancient  era (1987)

In the early days of the league there were times when hearings were held soon after senior games finished at the game venue and an era when it was a “one man Tribunal” and there was a short period  with both  northern and north west tribunals.

Noel Pearce, Phil Templeton, Max Rootes, Xavier Williams, Wayne Brown, Paul Bryant, Greg Wing, Amber Scott, Glen Lutwyche, Ian Clarke, Jeff Triffitt, Cameron Blizzard, Bill Harris, Gary Bourke, David Smith, Graeme Brown, Mick Parker, Ross Warren, Max Hudson, Glenn Simonds, Steve Daley, John Cook, Warren Barber, Tom Riseley, Colin Saul, John Ewington, Basil O’Halloran, ‘Mick’ Osborne, Stephen O’Halloran, Don Gale, Don Lello, Dick Page, Gus Draper, Don Naden Sen.,

John Grimwade, David Langmaid, Geoff McIntyre, Don Blew, Paul Reinmuth, Graeme White, Clarrie Byrne, J. Henderson, G. Stearnes

Note:  Graeme Brown (31 years), Noel Pearce (29 years to 2023), Gary Bourke  (25 years)

MATCH COMMITTEE

Formally adopted and recorded 2017 – previously consisted of President, G.M. and one member of the Executive.

Garry Carpenter, Andrew Richardson, Andrew Buchhorn, Kim Miles, Geoff Rootes

LONG TIME CLUB NWFL DIRECTOR (current clubs)

Burnie Dockers    Jamie Boag   4  years

Devonport            Neil Wilkinson    5 years

East Devonport    Graeme Walton   7 years

Latrobe                 Shane Greenwood,   Julian Minton-Connell   6 years

Penguin                Brian Lane,   8 years

Smithton              Tony Maguire,   Nic Bellinger       5 years

Ulverstone           Ron Ansell     15  years    Record

Wynyard              Kerry O’Neill     13  years

REGISTRAR

2022    -                   Morgan Hughes

2010   -  2021          Andrew Richardson

2004  -   2009          Karen Stagg

2000  -   2003          Margot Short

1987  -   1999          Responsibility of General Manager

Note:  Andrew Richardson    12 years.    GM responsibility era not included.

        GAMES STATISTICIAN                                                                      HISTORIAN                                                                                                                                          

2010 -                    Andrew Richardson                                                                                            2013    -    Ian Wotherspoon                                                                  

2007 -     2009       Kim Gillies

2005 -     2006       Will Braid

2001 -     2004       Rod Morris

1987 -     2000       Both roles responsibility of General Manager

                                                    Note:    Andrew Richardson   14 years   to 2023   (Statistician)

                                                                 Ian Wotherspoon      11 years to 2023 (excl. time when GM’s role)    (Historian)

PROGRAM EDITOR

2011   -                Nigel Tapp              (less 2020 – no program – Covid)

2010                    Mark Williams

2007   - 2009       Nigel Tapp

2006                    Ian Wotherspoon   (part)

2005  -   2006      Will Braid  (part)

2002  -   2004      Rod Morris

1987  -   2001      Responsibility of General Manager

Note:  Nigel Tapp    15 years (to 2023       Era when GM responsible not included

NWFL HEADQUARTERS

2011   -                     AFL Tas’ football HQ Ulverstone       Quite satisfactory  and rent free, but little storage space or wall space for photos!!

2004   -      2010       Lauriston Arcade, Devonport  Finally returned ‘home’ after having no real HQ  since 1999

2003                         No HQ.  Meetings  etc held at Devonfield, Devonport with admin.  done  from

                                 home + some sort of HQ in Launceston to suit President/ Sponsorship/Marketing

                                 incumbent.              A homeless football league.

2000   -     2002       Latrobe Recreation Ground.         Shared office with Latrobe  F.C.  Far from ideal.

1993   -     1999       Lauriston Arcade, 4 Ways Devonport.    Great facility/HQ      

1987  -     1992        McFie Street, Devonport           Created great HQ facility    Ideal.     Owner sold.

FOOTBALL PROGRAM and other publications

The NWFL publishes what is undoubtedly the best weekly program of any football league in Tasmania  and indeed  possibly the most professionally produced weekly  sporting publication in the state.

Much credit is  due to the editor, but ultimately the printer/ publisher is responsible for its quality.

In 37 years there have been only two publishers:

From 1987 – 1992 Budget Print in Launceston set the ball rolling in a magnificent way and more than 30 years ago Devonport’s Richmond Concepts and Print took over and what a fantastic job they’ve done. (later named Impress Print and they certainly impress program readers).

How  fortunate we’ve been. All publications from Impress Print are first class, thanks to the team.

Of course one day, the program will probably be on-line!   Heaven forbid.

So that’s some of the history of the NWFL.

More is located in other locations on the website.                                 More at:     NWFL Board. Committees ,sub-committees

Compiled by a bloke who is only semi-computer literate!                                       Rep. Games history

                                                                                                                                  All  NWFL club’s history

                                                                                                                                  Individual Club’s record