Former Colac president Nick Lang has beaten out Geelong Umpires chair David Chaston for a spot on the new-look AFL Barwon board.
Lang won a vote of member clubs for the position at AFL Barwon’s Annual General Meeting at Buckleys last Wednesday night.
Joining Lang on the board, which replaces the AFL Barwon Commission as part of the local governing body’s breakaway from AFL Victoria’s Regional Administration Centre, are Michael Fitzgerald and Todd Devine.
That duo are presidents of the Bellarine and Geelong leagues, respectively, and have been appointed to the board as part of a constitution change unveiled last year.
“The three new Directors bring a wealth of experience across community sport, governance and business, and will play an important role in guiding the continued growth and strategic direction of football and netball across the Barwon region,” AFL Barwon said in a statement.
Lang, Fitzgerald and Devine replace former chair Michelle Gerdtz, Nicola Wojcik, and Sarah Naylor.
Gerdtz and Wojcik depart following the expiration of their tenures, while Naylor has been forced to resign her position after being appointed as AFL Barwon’s Head of Football.
“AFL Barwon sincerely thanks Michelle, Sarah and Nicola for their commitment, professionalism and contribution during their time as Directors,” the statement continued.
“Their input has helped shape key initiatives and governance outcomes that position the organisation strongly for the future.”
Meanwhile, former commissioners Bob Hallett, Ian McTaggart, and Richard Underwood have been honoured with AFL Barwon life membership.
“Across nearly a decade of service, Underwood, Hallett and McTaggart played an instrumental role in shaping AFL Barwon’s future,” a statement said.
“Their time on the Commission coincided with participation growth, expansion of female football and netball pathways, enhanced commercial partnerships, and continued investment in club development and community engagement initiatives.”
They join inaugural AFL Barwon Commission chair Craig Keating as the only life members of the organisation.
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