Ireland, Sheahan to speak at VAFA Season Launch

Former Big V star and current Sydney Swans CEO, Andrew Ireland, will guest speak at the VAFA Season Launch on March 28 at the MCC Dining Room.

Ireland, who is a life member of Ivanhoe AFC and was named at CHF in their Team of the Century, represented the Big V in 1973 and 1974, and was named All-Australian both years.

Ireland was picked up by Collingwood in the VFL and played 110 games from 1975-80. He played in three losing grand final teams for the Pies and represented Victoria in an interstate match against Tasmania in 1978.

He is currently Chief Executive & Managing Director of the Sydney Swans after an 11-year stint as CEO of the Brisbane Bears/Lions from 1990-2001.

Conducting the interview will be none other than legendary AFL sports journalist and former Brunswick NOBSPC number one ticket holder, Mike Sheahan.

Sheahan was chief football writer and associate sports editor for the Herald Sun for eighteen years and continues to contribute while also appearing on Fox Footy and various Melbourne radio stations.

He conducts a weekly interview program on Fox Footy, Open Mike, and is commonly known for his annual Top 50 AFL players list.

Ken Petrucco will be inducted as a Life Member for his outstanding contribution to our Association across the Inner FM airwaves, while several of the competition’s hard-working volunteers will be presented with their Certificate of Merit.

Members of the VAFA community who have passed away over the last 12 months will be remembered on the night with a Passing Parade.

The VAFA looks forward to celebrating its past, present and future on the eve of the 2018 season.

Photo: Daily Telegraph