2021 EFFC AGM AND NEW LIFE MEMBERS

EFFC 2021 Annual General Meeting

The East Fremantle Football Club last night held their 2021 Annual General Meeting in the main hall at New Choice Homes Park, home of the East Fremantle Sharks with over 100 people in attendance.

President Mark Stewart welcomed members, special guests and presented the 2021 Annual Report.  President Stewart thanked our Members, Board, Staff and Players for their efforts in 2021 and looks forward to Season 2022.

He also acknowledged Bob Uittenbroek as our 2022 Season Football Legend, touching on Bob’s service to the EFFC.

President Stewart thanked retiring Board Member John Ipsen, welcomed re-elected Board Members Adam Drake-Brockman, Flora Furness, Steve Nugent and welcomed new Board Member Paul Chapman.

About new Board Member Paul Chapman:

Paul is the founder and Managing Director of MyMedia, a media monitoring company that dominates the West Australian market in their industry.   He serves on the board of the International Association of Business Communicators (WA) as Finance Director.    He completed his Bachelor of Communications degree at Edith Cowan University in 2000 and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

He brings dynamic thinking and 20 years business experience, gained locally and abroad, to a club he has loved since childhood. His appreciation for the history and culture of the most successful club in WAFL football drives his desire to help steer the club back to its rightful place at the top.

Finance Committee Member Mark Murphy announced the Club produced an operational surplus of $36,170, however due to the pending redevelopment of a new facility in April 2022 the Club wrote off buildings during the year of $711,346 through the statement of profit & loss and $78,654 through the asset revaluation reserve, resulting in an extraordinary loss of ($675,176) for the year.

CEO Todd Shimmon provided an update on the redevelopment of the East Fremantle Oval Precinct and what Season 2022 will bring for the club. 

He highlighted that the spiritual home of East Fremantle Football Club – New Choice Homes Park, Main Hall, Medallist Bar and Administration area will remain functioning for the next 2 years and encouraged Members and public to utilize this area for private functions and Friday night Member nights.

It is expected that the EFWFC Season will host all their 2022 games and training at New Choice Homes Park whilst EFFC games will be played at the WACA, with a possible country enrichment game being played in the Mid-West early in the Season.

The WACA game day facilities will offer:

•         Players the experience at playing at the WACA and use of their facilities

•         Members grandstand seating, bar/seating

•         Sponsors and guests dining experience at EFFC Presidents Luncheons in the Boundary Room

•         Grass banks for kick to kick and kid’s zone

•         Visiting club seating and covered area, with bar facilities

•      VIP parking at Gloucester Park, paid parking available.  Members, families, and    guests will have the opportunity to pre purchase a seasonal parking pass for $70.

Senior Coach Bill Monaghan updated the members on our new recruits, pre-season so far and the goals for 2022. 

The following people were nominated and endorsed at the AGM as EFFC Life Members.  The EFFC wish to acknowledge and thank them for their contribution to the Club.

Graeme Howard

Nominated by Michael Jez:

Graeme is not one to be surprised, on this occasion he certainly was.  He began his EFFC journey in the 1950’s as a passionate supporter, he later married Lynnette French, daughter of EFFC legend Vic French. 

Graeme has served as an EFFC Past Players and Officials Committee member for 41 years.  During those years, Graeme has assisted the EFFC PP&OA with their fundraising to support the EFFC.  He was awarded Life Membership of the EFFC PP&OA in 2011 for his service to the association.

He was very appreciative of the Membership and thanked the Club.

Jack Perham

Nominated by Jamie McNamara:

Jack’s football career with the Sharks spanned over 10 seasons and he retired in 2019 after a combined 162 Games for the club, this included:  121 League, 38 Reserves, 3 Colts and 4 Foxtel Cup games

Jack also spent a year with the Collingwood Magpies after being selected at pick # 58 in the AFL Rookie Draft in 2010.

Jack reflected on his time as a player at EFFC, arriving from Brigades Football Club in Geraldton. The enjoyment and honour he felt playing for this club, from his first game to his last.  He thanked his family, support staff, members, and fellow players.  Jack looks forward to attending EFFC games in 2022.

Brian Smith

Nominated by Mark Murphy:

Brian has always been an very avid supporter of the EFFC and joined the Club in 2001 as a volunteer car park assistant on match days.  He later transferred to the footy department to become a support staff team member.   

Brian is a valued member of the EFFC Support staff, having volunteered for some 20 years.  He always makes himself available to assist at any opportunity with training duties during the years.

Brian is still active today at the Club and continues to run water on game days.  He was very humble in his acceptance.

Jon Stagg

Nominated by Rod Lester-Smith:

Jon started his football career with the East Fremantle Football Club in 1989, playing his 1^st year of Colts.  He progressed to reserves in 1991 and into the League team the same year.

He played 25 colts, 102 reserves and 102 League games for the club, retiring in 2001 having played a total of 229 games for the East Fremantle Football Club.

Jon is a Premiership player with the Club having contributed to both the 1994 and 1998 Premierships, making him a dual Premiership player.

Unfortunately, Jon was unable to attend the evening, however Rod Lester-Smith provided archive video footage of highlights of Jon’s football prowess.

Kim Chatfield

Nominated by Con Tripi:

Prior to Kim’s journey as an EFFC Board Member, Kim played football for East Fremantle FC. Colts from 1977 to 1979, 42 Colts Games - Reserves from 1979 to 1985, 76 Reserves Games and League from 1981 to 1985, 13 League Games.

Following his EFFC playing days, he travelled and settled in Adelaide in 1986 to play for Woodville, he stayed in Adelaide for 10 years. Upon his return to WA Kim took on the following roles:

Chairman of Selectors 2012 to 2015, EFFC Director 2015 to 2021 and Sponsor of the Club 2015 to 2021.

Kim is known to be a great networker and continues to reengage past players and serve on the EFFC Board.  Kim’s family were on hand to celebrate his achievement.

Congratulations to all new Life Members.

Photo: New EFFC Life Members: Jack Perham - Brian Smith - Kim Chatfield - Graeme Howard

The Club took a moment to remember former players and Club members that were known to of passed away, our condolences to their families:

Geoff Beasland         Current Member / Former Volunteer

Harry Morgan           Vice Patron & Life Member

June Buckley            Former Member

Andrew MacPherson  Former Player

Leonard Green          Member until 2020

Warren Jones            Life Member

Barbara Hitchen        Wife of Len Hitchen and former Member

Roma Dobson           Mother of Mark Dobson (Dec.) & Mal Dobson 

Shane Anthony          Father of Liam & Dion Anthony

Owen Davies             Life Member

Olwyn Shannon         Current Member

Pat MacPherson        Former Member

Keith Shimmon          Father of Todd Shimmon

Greg Spurr                 Former Member

Donald (Nipper) Truscott   Truscott Family

Harry Regan              Former Player

Jayde Kinane             Daughter of Maria Tana & Paul Sanzone

Ted Walker                 Current Member

Percy Johnson           Life Member

The meeting closed with Members and guests enjoying camaraderie and the excitement of Season 2022.