Jill Lindsay started work at then VFL (Victorian Football League) in 1970 as a clerk in a sport she knew nothing about having moved from NSW. Over the next 41 years, she was a participant as the Victorian Football League grew into the national competition that we know today. Jill rose through the ranks into the AFL Ground Operations Manager which organises the gameday routine for the participating clubs.
AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou described Lindsay, the AFL’s longest serving employee, as a trail blazer, hero and great counsel of wisdom. AFL chairman Mike Fitzpatrick praised Lindsay for “enormous work ethic, values, great humour, passion for people, her job and the AFL.” Mick Daniher, acting AFL Victoria CEO said “Jill had tremendous passion and commitment for any role she was involved in at the VFL/AFL”. “Jill was as enthusiastic in her AFL ground operations manager role in 2010 as she was helping country development officers arrange tickets for country children to attend VFL games in 1981” he said.
During her tenure with the VFL/AFL, Lindsay held various roles from her starting job as a clerk then VFL Superbox co-ordinator, VFL Park Final Series co-ordinator, VFL Park match day supervisor and VFL Membership Manager. Since 1991, Lindsay held the post of AFL Ground Operations Manager and last year’s Collingwood/St Kilda Grand Final Replay was the 43rd Grand Final at which she officiated.
She was the only woman to be awarded VFL/AFL Life Membership.
The AFL has commissioned a scholarship in her name in recognition of her outstanding service and to encourage women to become involved in sports administration. The Jill Lindsay Scholarship will become a prized annual award. Football was not her sole sporting passion. Lindsay was a gifted softballer who represented NSW and Victoria and later coached and served the sport as an administrator.
Jill was a mentor to many women who followed in her footsteps in other sports and the AFL. The AFL now has two women on the AFL Commission (Sam Mostyn, Linda Dessau), one on the AFL Executive (Christina Ogg) and nameless more who are currently employed in football either through the clubs or directly through the league.
She received the Australian Sports Medal in 2000 for her services to softball.
So to all the women who might be thinking that footy is a man's world, think again! In her words; "I want to send a message to all the ladies out there who aspire about thinking of a career in a sports industry .. they should never ever be put off that most of the sports are male-dominated but it's not about being male-dominated but of what YOU want to do yourself".
Jill Lindsay, you have definitely done that in your own style and thanks for your contribution to football.
Sources: The Age, AFL, News Limited
Last Modified on 18/04/2011 09:36