VAFA Board Update

The VAFA is pleased to announce the Board appointment of two new Directors in George Haros and Sharon Read.

VAFA President Paul Newton was thrilled with the appointments. “The Association is delighted to welcome our 2 latest Board Directors, George Haros and Sharon Read. Both join bringing a wealth of experience from their respective professions and their skillsets will be a welcome addition to the VAFA Board.

“On behalf of our members, I congratulate both George and Sharon on their appointment and thank them for their commitment to the VAFA. Please join me in welcoming them both at your first opportunity.”

George Haros has been involved with the VAFA for over 30 years, initially as a player and later as President of the Old Ivanhoe Grammarians Football Club, where he is a Life Member and was named the 10th Legend of the Club.

Professionally, George is a Partner at national law firm, Gadens, specialising in employment, industrial relations, litigation and dispute resolution. He is widely respected for his work in complex and high-profile litigation involving the protection of reputation. George has had carriage of some of the biggest sports law disputes of the previous decade, in which he represented both sporting bodies and elite athletes.

He has been consistently recognised by Best Lawyers Australia, Doyle’s Guide, and The Legal 500, and was named one of Australasian Lawyer’s Most Influential Lawyers in 2024. George has also been a two-time finalist for Mentor of the Year at the Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Awards.

George is a passionate Carlton supporter, dedicated husband and father, and maintains strong ties to Tasmania and to his Greek heritage, particularly the island of Kythera.

Sharon Read is a seasoned executive with over 30 years’ experience in senior leadership across Victoria’s public health and not-for-profit sectors. She currently serves as Director of People and Culture and the Foundation at Western Health, where she plays a key role in strategy, innovation, and leading complex organisational change.

Sport has been a lifelong passion, deeply rooted in her family history. She grew up on the sidelines of grassroots football, following her father—a respected coach and player—and shares a proud legacy with her grandfather and uncle, who also coached and played. Sharon has been actively involved in the Fitzroy Junior Football Club in an administrative capacity and is the proud mother of two sons who played football for Fitzroy.

Sharon holds qualifications in social work and business leadership and has completed courses with the AICD and Harvard Business School.

Beyond football, Sharon plays competitive tennis for Keon Park and serves as Assistant Secretary. She has played club cricket and netball, and champions the role of community sport in building wellbeing, resilience, and strong local connections.

These two appointments take the total number of VAFA Directors to 10, led by President Paul Newton, Vice Presidents Sarah Delbosc and Ivan Delac, and Directors Joan Eddy, Nicole Hall, Mark Hibbins, Martin Kelliher, Matt Scholten. The Board have decided not to fill the 11th and final position on the Board at this stage.