Pictured: (click on photo to enlarge)
1. Tom Seal - 2016 Life Member Western Zone Junior Football Council
2. 2005 Premiership Coach
3. Tom with his family, lovely wife Elaine, Gemma, Jonty and Ricky
4. 1992 Premiership Captain, with Peter (Sam) Best
5. Norwood FC - 2015 State Under 15 Champions after Grand Final at AAMI Stadium
The legendary Tom Seal has been awarded life membership of the Western Zone Junior Football Council, honouring his long and distinguished service to Eyre Peninsula’s young footballers.
Tommy needs no introductions to the Eyre Peninsula Football community, he covers more ground than Burke and Wills, one of our best known sporting identities.
Also receiving life membership honours were Bill Oswald from Tumby Bay and John Southern (Senior).
Tom’s achievements in football are impressive, with this award concentrating on his junior involvement -:
Mid West Under 15 Coach, Eyre Peninsula/ Western Zone Coach 5 years, Eyre Peninsula / Western Zone assistant coach 4 years with Danny Horgan coaching, Eyre Peninsula / Western Zone Runner 7 years, Mid West delegate to the WZJFC 11 years.
Eyre Peninsula was under the Country Zone of his beloved Port Adelaide until 2014, and representation at the State Championships was in the famous black and white prison bars. EP was rezoned to Norwood in 2015 and Tom was the first coach representing Norwood at the Championships, winning the State Championships at Football Park West Lakes after a convincing win over old sparring partner – Glenelg. Tom also won the championships as Port Adelaide, often finding that Glenelg the sternest of opponents.
Tom has helped the development of our zones best footballers over the past dozen years and seen many of his charges reach SANFL, AFL levels. A level two AFL accredited coach, he possesses a wonderful ability to relate to his players and officials, whatever the age. His understanding of the game and respect that he receives is outstanding.
We are eternally grateful that a football season can be squeezed between the Autumn and Spring Racing Carnivals, allowing Tommy time to focus on all things football, for a while anyway!
Aside from his junior level involvement, Tommy was a Mail Medalist in 1991, doubling up with a Montgomerie Medal(Reserves) in 2001, his later playing years. A multi premiership player in the A Grade, including three in a row 1992, 1993, 1994 with Wudinna United, the final premiership of Le Hunte Football League in 1987 as Wudinna Football Club. He coached the Wudinna United A Grade to a premiership in 2005, Premiership club captain. Tom represented Le Hunte at the Mortlock Shield in 1986 and 1987, then Mid West in 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, serving as a selector for Mid West 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002. An extensive playing career that started at Kelly FC in the Kimba Football League, Wudinna FC in the Le Hunte FL and then one year in Mid West, then Wudinna United thereafter in Mid West. A talented and high possession centre man, leading from the front and with a passion that now shows through in his coaching.
Despite his strong competitive spirit, he is one of the first to enjoy a refreshment with the opposition afterwards. He has also been known to put in long hours after team selection, working on game plans and strategies until the wee hours of Friday morning.
There is little in the game that Tommy doesn’t know or understand, and he has formed a great team with Danny Horgan over many years.
Tom is Mid West's Flow FM radio correspondent in Friday evenings, where he shares his extensive knowledge of the League, behind the scene insights and each teams odds!
A huge congratulations is extended to Tom on this well earned honour.
Last Modified on 23/06/2016 15:33