Vale Tim Noonan

The VAFA is sad to report the passing of former administrator Tim Noonan last Saturday, after a year long battle with illness.

Tim Noonan joined the VAFA in August 2011, working as GM of Football Operations until he left in January 2014 to return to his teaching profession as a Principal.

Tim held a Masters of Business and Sport Management from Deakin University and a Bachelors degree in Education from Edith Cowan University. He was a member of the West Coast Eagles Melbourne-based match day staff, had previous experience with the Eastern Ranges in the TAC competition, and played some VAFA football with De La Salle U19s.

On his departure, Tim was quoted on the VAFA website saying “My time at the VAFA has been some of the most enjoyable of my career as working in football administration is a privilege. To be responsible for running a prestigious competition such as the VAFA has been a role I have cherished; however, I am looking forward to this next opportunity in my career.”

Michael Sholly was the VAFA CEO through Tim’s tenure with the Amateurs and remembers him fondly.

“I was saddened to hear of the news of the passing of former VAFA General Manager of Football Operations, Tim Noonan”, Sholly said.

“After leaving the position as principal at a school, Tim embarked on a change of career to follow his dream into Sports Administration.  In his two and half years, Tim was an outstanding contributor to the football operations of the VAFA. He managed all the player clearances, fixtures, finals and the sundry issues with great acumen. Tim had to engage with all 72 club secretaries and manage their various issues and requests. He did so with understanding yet had the ability to make a fair and considered outcome suitable for all.”

“I had the pleasure of working with Tim for his full term at the VAFA and enjoyed his company both at work and socially.  We were disappointed to see Tim leave but he had a passion for teaching and learning and this took him back to education as the principal of St Patrick’s Mentone.”

Former VAFA  Umpire Manager Brian ‘Benny’ Goodman was another close colleague and long time friend of Tim’s.

“It is with a heavy heart that we farewell one of the best men I have ever met. Tim Noonan had an immediate impact on me with his sense of humour, professionalism and strong work ethic. We would often exchange stories of his time at the West Coast Eagles and how he supported Carlton whenever he had the chance. Tim had many attributes with his strength in leadership and great knowledge of football at the top of his list and the VAFA benefited from his skills along with his great ability to form friendships that enabled the VAFA to continue to grow in status during Tim’s time.”

“Tim was a great family man and with his wife Anne they raised two beautiful children and were always supporting Ben & Melanie in their endeavours to be the best they could be. It would come as no surprise to anyone that when games were played at Elsternwick Park, you find Tim playing kick to kick with them. We have lost a great person who leaves a wonderful legacy and I will never ever forget the man who put such a stamp and commitment on his career, his family and me.”

“On behalf of the VAFA and especially the staff and clubs that worked with Tim during his tenure at VAFA,  we offer our sincere condolences to his wife Anne, children Ben & Melanie; and extended family.”

The Funeral Service for Tim Noonan will be held at 2.00pm on Thursday 31st July at St Simon the Apostle Parish, 2 Taylors Ln, Rowville.