Ambassadors

VAFA Ambassadors form a valuable link between the board and our clubs. Each has a history within VAFA football and understands the demands placed on our clubs. Each has been assigned a number of clubs and throughout the season will be visiting those clubs, talking with club presidents and officials and lending their expertise where it is sought. This year's ambassadors are:

	Simon "Harry" Costello Harry played 248 games for University Blacks, including the 1974 A Section premiership. He has been officially recognised as a "Big V Legend", having worn the famous jumper from 1975-1982 and was captain in 1981. He was adjudged All-Australian honours in 1979. a paediatrician by profession, he supports Geelong in the AFL. Working with: North Brunswick, NOBSPC, Prahran Assumption, UHS-VU, West Brunswick

	Andrew Ristrom Andrew Ristrom played 193 games with Old Melburnians and was president of that club for five years after serving that club as a coach and committeeman. He served on the VAFA board between 1978 and 1980. A stockbroker, he is a long-suffering St Kilda fan. Working with: Mazenod, Monash Blues, Oakleigh, Old Geelong

	Tony Gilchrist Tony played 200 games at Old Haileybury and Glen Eira (in its St Kilda South Caulfield incarnation). His playing career highlight was the 1989 Reserves premiership. He has coached at U19 and Reserves level and been a Big V selector. Self employed, his AFL allegiance is to Carlton. Working with: Chadstone, Elsternwick, Glen Eira, Old Haileybury

	Shane Regan Shane played at VFL and VFA clubs before assuming the coaching role with Mazenod U19s, taking them to a premiership in 2007. He was secretary at the club in 2007 and is assistant coach of the club’s FIDa team and served as team manager for the Big V Prem C – Div 4 team. A school teacher by profession, he works with Port Adelaide FC on match days. Working with: Fitzroy, Mt L:ilydale, Ormond,St Francis Xavier, Uni Blues

	Norm Walsh Norm's involvement in community football dates back to 1968. Served on the board of the old Eastern Suburbs Churches Football Association and on the old VFA board as Oakleigh's director. He returned to Oakleigh Amateurs in 1992 and was for a long thime that club's VAFA member. Working with: Emmaus St Leo's, South Melbourne Districts, St John's, Swinburne University.

	Brendan McArdle A former St Kevin's player and a narrow miss for the Field Trophy when at Northcote (VFA). A former Victorian fast bowler who played over 350 games at Northcote, Carlton and Dandenong. Also played professionally in England. A schoolteacher by profession, he supports Collingwood. Working with: De La Salle, St Kevin's, Old Trinity, Eley Park, Box Hill North.


	Jeffrey Jankie Jeffrey began with the VAFA at AJAX when he started playing as a 15 year old in 1973. Since that time he has experienced just about all things that our competition has to offer, From missing out on selection night to being a premiership player, from water boy to president, from E Section to Premier, from promotion to relegation, from the club having too many players, to having too few players and having to do a Saturday morning ring-around. Professionally Jeffrey is the senior clinician at the Dental Company in Windsor. Happily married, he's the proud father of three current VAFA players. Working with: AJAX, Beaumaris, Old Brighton, Old Melburnians

	Tim Sutcliffe Tim umpired 360 games in the VAFA, including many Premier and Premier B Grand Finals. Is a life member of the VAFAUA. A horticulturalist by profession, he supports Hawthorn. Working with: Hampton Rovers, Old Mentonians, Parkdale Vultures, St Bede's/Mentone Tigers.

	Peter Hannan "Happy" played 164 games at St Kevin's where he won 3 Best and Fairest awards and represented the Big V. Coached Whitefriars to a premiership in 1991, coached the Big V in 1996 and De La Salle in 1997. Is a comapny director who supports Carlton. Working with: Banyule, Kew, Ivanhoe, Old Paradians, Therry Penola.



	Richard Evans Richard was a VAFA board member for 18 years and served as president and chairman for five. He is a life member of the Association. He has also conducted many investigations on behalf of the VAFA. He is semi-retired and supports St Kilda. Working with: Bulleen Templestowe, Old Eltham, La Trobe University, Manningham Cobras, Yarra Valley.





	Mick Overman Mick played 140 games with St. Bernard’s and was club President from 2006 to 2009, and is a life member. Mick has been the team manager for several VAFA Big V teams recently and has sons (third generation) currently playing at St. Bernard’s. Mick is an accountant with his own practise and supports Melbourne. Working with: St. Bernard’s, Werribee, Rupertswood, PEGS and Pt. Cook.