2013 CERTIFICATE OF MERIT RECIPIENTS

Each year the VAFA recognises those that have shown devotion and commitment to their club and the competition over a sustained period of time. This year’s Certificate of Merit winners have been nominated by their respective clubs and the VAFA would like to congratulate all recipients of the award. 
Last night at the VAFA Season Launch 10 new recipients were honoured with an award. 
Dene Macleod from Williamstown CYMS responded on behalf of all 10 recipients. Macleod told of how each of the recipients had a commonality whereby their respective  clubs just keeps pulling them back in.  “If there is a job that needs doing you tend to put you hand up to do it”.
Details on each of the recipients are below. 
From De La Salle, John Bolt. John is entering his 28th year of continuous service to the club this year. Joining the committee in 1985, he has held the position of Treasurer and Vice President. In 1988 John won the best club person award at De La Salle and was made a Life Member of the club in 1997. John is a current master of the club’s database and e-newsletter and member of the match day stats team.
From Collegians, Wayne Dyer. Wayne joined the club and after a stellar 2 game career joined the committee where he has served for 18 consecutive years with the past 13 years as President. The team manager from 1991 to 1998, Wayne was awarded an award for outstanding service to Collegians in 1998 and earned Life Membership of the club in 2004. Wayne is most recently the back to back Premier Premiership President.
From Melbourne High School Old Boys, Warren Fall. Warren first joined the club over 20 years ago and has held numerous positions in that time. The Senior coach from 1997 to 2000 he managed to return the club to A Grade after a 28 year absence. With 13 years on the committee Warren has recently assumed the role of President. Already a Life Member, in 2007 he became only the 4th person to be made a Melbourne High School Old Boys Club Hero.
From Bulleen Templestowe, Harry Harrisiou. Harry is an ornament of the VAFA, but it is at the Bullants where he is held in highest esteem. A premiership player and coach of the club he was player/coach of their team of the decade, is a member of their team of the century, he has coached at all levels of the club, has worked on the committee and most recently added the title of Premiership President. 
From AJAX, Peter Kagan. Peter joined AJAX as a player in 1958 and played 110 games at the club. Peter returned to the club after a stint at Old Trinity in 1979 where he rarely missed a game. In 1998 he joined the committee and he has been Treasurer or Secretary since 2000. Peter has team managed a number of the AJAX teams and has also been a VAFA Scribe. Peter was awarded Life Membership in 2006 and the President’s Award in 2011. 
From Therry Penola, Rodney Moran. Rod joined Therry Penola in 1983 and went on the play 322 games for the club earning Life Membership in the year 2000. Rod was captain of the reserves and played in the club’s 1999 Reserves premiership. Rodney has spent 15 of his 17 years on the committee as Secretary and he has held almost every position at the club except the coach. 
From Ormond, Alan Naylor. Alan joined Ormond U17s in 1968 and went on to play a total of 235 games for the club. He was captain of the club from 1980-82 and won the best & fairest award in both 1977 & 1983. A Big V Representative on numerous occasions between 1975 and 1985 he was awarded life membership in 1982. Alan has served over 30 years on the committee including time as Treasurer, Secretary and Team Manager. 
From North Brunswick, Sof Tsialtas. Sof first joined the club as a junior player before going on the wear the green and gold jumper 243 times. Sof won the reserves best and fairest in 1992 as a backman. Upon retirement Sof joined the committee where he has been ever since. Sof has been the President of the club since 2005 he has overseen the 40th year club anniversary and can often be found between the goals waving the flags on Saturdays. 
From Caulfield Grammarians, Matthew Scholten. Matthew is everything Caulfield Grammarians and the club will be forever thankful for the vision and commitment Matthew has shown over his 220 games as a player and 15 years as President. A driven man who oversaw the club’s rise from E Section to Premier and has helped the club grow to its current status. Matthew was the Reserves captain coach for seven years, collecting the 2000 Premiership in that time. 

From Williamstown CYMS, Dene McLeod. Dene is a Legend of the Club. 13 years as a player, skipper for 4 years, senior coach for five years and assistant coach for three. Dene has had continuous voluntary service in off-field positions for 20 years. Joining the club in 1990 he was runner up in the 1999 senior best and fairest and won the reserves best and fairest in 1990 and 1991. Dene is a member of the modern era Team of the Century and is a Life Member of the Club. 

Congratulations to all VAFA Certificate of Merit winners in 2013.