Vale Ross Booth

The Victorian football community is in mourning after the passing of long-time servant of the VAFA and the game in general, Ross Booth.

Ross enjoyed more than half a century of involvement with the VAFA, which began as a player for Monash Blues from 1971-76. He captained the Blues and was a two-time club Best & Fairest in 1973-74.

He was equal third in the VAFA A-Section League Best & Fairest in 1973 and was runner-up in 1976 before joining University Blacks, where he played a further seven seasons from 1977-83.

Appointed as a VAFA Executive/Board Member in 1986, Ross served in that capacity for 25 years and was always an active contributor focused on helping the VAFA and the game more generally.

Awarded VAFA Life Membership in 2003, Ross also served on the VAFA Life Membership Association Executive and was a much-loved member of the VAFA community.

Beyond the VAFA, Ross was a respected academic and was an iconic member of the ABC’s VFL commentary team for 26 years where his passion for the game, its clubs and the general footy community shone through in his broadcasting every week.

“It’s a sad day for the Association,” said VAFA President, Paul Newton.

“Ross was admired as one of the competition’s stalwarts – both on the field, where he played over 100 games for both University Blacks and Monash University, and off the field where he was a Board member for 25 years.

“Ross made an enormous contribution and his service was recognised with Life Membership of the Association in 2003. He will be fondly remembered by all those involved at the VAFA.

On behalf of the VAFA Board, management and Association, we offer our deepest condolences to Ross’s family and friends.”

The funeral service for Ross Booth will be held on Friday 14^th June, 11.30am for 12noon, at the Robert Blackwood Hall (and afterwards at The Chancellery), Monash University, Clayton.