Emma Grigson

President

Having served as the Governance Director since 2020, Emma’s focus is on strategic planning, governance, leadership and risk management. Emma spent 19 years serving in the Australian Army and is a mother to two young children. Her roles included Health Operations Officer, Strategic Health Advisor to Afghan National Medical Corps [NATO] and 3rd Battalion Operations Officer.

Emma has held numerous Board positions including Chair of Harness Racing SA, Vice-Chair of Alliance Francaise d’Adelaide and Board Director of Mt Barker Waldorf School.

She is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, having completed a Bachelor of Arts – Leadership, Bachelor of Commerce/Sports Management, Masters of Health Science as well as undertaking her PhD in Science [injury prevention] and Doctorate in Law.

Chris Schmidt

Football Director - Vice President

Originally from Robertstown, Chris worked his way through our underage programs to then captain the club from 2012 – 2017; most notably leading the club to our 2015 premiership win. Chris has since been awarded life membership and sits on the board of trustees.

Chris has extensive experience within the engineering industry, managing the civil and structural design of commercial and industrial projects. We are excited to have Chris as our Men’s Football Director and look forward to seeing him bring his skillset to the role.

Term: 3 years 

Chris’s term commenced following the 2022 Annual General Meeting.

Andrew Tickle

Finance Director

Andrew is a qualified Chartered Accountant and Audit Partner with BDO Australia.

With over 20 years’ experience in accounting and finance, Andrew is a former Board Member of Athletics SA, former Audit Partner for SANFL Clubs Glenelg and Sturt and long term supporter and member of West Adelaide.

Additionally, Andrew has experience with developing sporting precincts -predominantly Athletics SA.

Alison Surjan

Female Football Director

Alison joins the board as the Female Football Director for the women’s program.

Alison comes from a background which is deeply entrenched in football club culture and is a well-respected business professional. She is inspired to assist with the growth and development of all women who wish to participate in a football environment.

We look forward to Alison making a significant impact at the West Adelaide Football Club.

Term: 3 years

Daniel Rossetto

Member Nominated Director

Daniel is an experienced energy and environmental finance executive. He has enjoyed much of his career working abroad in leading multinational corporations, Enel (Italy) and J.P. Morgan (US and UK) – in the energy, banking and finance industries.

His business experience spans across six continents, and is fluent in five languages. Daniel has undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in energy, management and finance obtained from the University of South Australia, Murdoch University (WA) and the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (UK).

Kristen Demetriou

Member Nominated Director