The tenure of arguably the Geelong region’s most influential local football administrator has officially come to an end.
After 41 seasons as president of the GDFNL, Neville Whitley stepped down from the role at last (Wednesday) night’s annual general meeting.
Speculation that 2025 would be the 85-year-old’s last in the chair he’d occupied since 1985 intensified during the season, with Whitley announcing his decision at a function before this year’s GDFNL Grand Final.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” Whitley said before opening the meeting.
“There’s times when tough decisions have to be made, and we make them, and a lot of friends are not made when you make those tough decisions.
“But, with commonsense all the way through, I think we’ve come out on top.
“Any decisions that we make, we make in the betterment of the league.”
The highlight of Whitley’s presidency was his role in acquiring the land in Breakwater that later became the site of Buckleys and the home of Raiders Bingo.
The rent from Buckleys has become a key income stream for the GDFNL, with the league earning $966,000, according to this year’s annual report.
Long-serving treasurer Daryl Jarvis has moved into Whitley’s seat and paid tribute to his predecessor.
“The Geelong and District Football League community would like to recognise your outstanding dedication and unwavering commitment for the past 41 years,” Jarvis said.
“Your exemplary leadership, vision, and integrity will have a lasting impact in sporting circles throughout Victoria.
“We appreciate you and thank you for your remarkable contributions, your tireless efforts, (and) your positive attitude, that have made a meaningful difference to not just everyone in this room, but in the Geelong and District Football League.”
Buckleys chair Peter Cullen, and former North Geelong president Jason Habib also spoke about Whitley’s profound impact.
A life member of the GDFNL, the senior football best-and-fairest is named in Whitley’s honour.
Whitley has also been recognised with an Order of Australia Medal and the Geelong Football Club’s R.J. Hickey Award for Outstanding Service to Australian Football.
Two changes to the board have been confirmed: Whitley and Helen Tucker have been replaced by newcomers Scott Penning and Glenn Myers.
Penning has most recently been president of Bannockburn, with Myers a former long-serving secretary of Thomson.
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