West Adelaide awards four new Life Memberships at AGM

On Wednesday night the West Adelaide Football Club held their 2020 Annual General Meeting.

Club President Murray Forbes addressed the Members,
“Whilst we don’t know exactly what 2021 holds for us, there is a great feeling around the club. There is a sense of expectation and real optimism about the year ahead and our ability to face any challenges that may come our way. I’m sure that all the energy and dedication that has been invested into 2020 will yield dividends for the club. I look forward to catching up with you all in the months ahead.”

In his report to the Members, Finance Director Mark Goddard  said,
“For the 2020 Financial Year, I am pleased to report that the combined Clubs will achieve an operating profit circa $844,000.”
“This has been achieved by receipt of Jobkeeper reimbursements, the ATO cash boost, grants and distributions. As a result, we have materially improved our balance sheet and reduced debt and operating costs.”

Senior Coach Brad Gotch addressed the members for the first time for 2021 with an update about the pre-season so far and the weeks ahead for the Senior group.

The Board approved four new Life Members; John Hamilton, Mark Mickan, Craig Bennetts and Jonathan Beech.

John (Jack) Hamilton  (Player #652)

• 125 games for the Bloods between 1950-1957
• Contributed 25 years of service to the club as a player and volunteer
• Reserves Best and Fairest in 1957
• Significant contribution to the club in volunteer roles such as;

• • Reserves Trainer: 1959 – 1961
  • Reserves committee: 1967 & 1968
  • Reserves Chairman: 1969 & 1970
  • League Committee: 1970, 1971 & 1972.
  • Past Players Secretary in 1969

Mark Mickan  (Player #963)

• 122 West Adelaide games and 39 goals for the Bloods between 1981-1996
• Four time Best and Fairest winner (1983, 1985, 1986, 1993)
• Advertiser team of the Year (1983, 1985, 1986
• 1988 Fos Williams Medallist (Best on Ground in a State game)
• 1988 All Australian Selection
• WAFC Senior Coach 2014 – 2017
• 2015 Premiership Coach
• SANFL Hall of Fame Member
• Selected in West Adelaide Team of the Centuries

Craig Bennetts  (Player #1089)

• Played 156 games between 1992 – 1997 (16 League and 140 Reserves)
• Senior runner for seven years
• Ten years service on the Past Players & Officials Committee
• Significant contribution to the fundraising activities of the Past Players & Officials including support of the Knott/Mitchell Scholarship
• 1 year as a Board Director
• 2017-2020 WAFC Welfare Mentor (U18s)

Jonathon Beech  (Player #1313)

• Player Life Membership
• Played 154 games (to date) between 2008-2015 and 2018-2019 and has kicked 188 goals
• During his time so far he has collected a number of accolades;

• • 2014 Best and Fairest
  • Leading goal kicker in 2013, 2014 and 2018
  • 2015 Premiership player
  • Advertiser team of the year in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2018
  • 2018 SANFL Mark  of the Year

New Life Members will also be acknowledged at the 2021 Neil Kerley Medal.

We thank those who Members who were able to attend all for ongoing support.

Go Bloods.