Leadership/Admin History
LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE NWFL (AND NTFL)
1987 – Present
The following is a summary of those who have led the NWFL since its inception in 1987.
It is not intended to be critical, but to be factual, based on the interpretations and recollections of the league’s longest-serving leader/administrator, Ian Wotherspoon. A narrative style is used deliberately.
Foundation of the League
The NWFL (then the Northern Tasmanian Football League – NTFL) began in 1987, having been formed by 12 clubs from the former NTFA and NWFU after other clubs from those bodies chose to join the controversial State League.
The competition extended from Scottsdale to Smithton. Across its history 17 clubs have been affiliated, with only four involved for the entire journey: Latrobe, Ulverstone, Penguin and Wynyard.
Five former State League clubs have, at different stages, been affiliated with the NWFL, with two – Devonport and the Burnie Dockers – currently (and very welcome) participants.
In 2015, as a result of significant demographic change within the competition, its name was appropriately changed to the North West Football League of Tasmania (NWFL).
Despite this multitude of changes, largely due to astute and strong leadership, the NWFL (preceded by the NTFL) has been widely recognised as the strongest regional football body in Tasmania, both off the field and on. In years gone by some have even argued it was “the strongest football body in the state, bar none”.
Only in one era (around 2002–2003) was there noticeable instability within the league. Otherwise, stability has consistently been a key to the league’s prosperity and respect.
The Foundation Executive
President:
Neil Rawson (more on him shortly)
Vice-Presidents:
Laurie Caelli – Launceston resident, MAIB chief
Royce Viney – Latrobe orchardist, heavily involved with Latrobe F.C. and the NWFU
Independent Directors:
Geoff Lidgerwood – Launceston, independent but very supportive of Scottsdale F.C.
Reg Cullen – Devonport, former teacher, sports store owner, with connections to Wynyard and Devonport F.C.
Co-Patrons:
John Orchard – Launceston, iconic leader of the NTFA and critic of the State League
Wilf Barker – Penguin, former Government Minister, Penguin and NWFU stalwart
General Manager:
Don Younger – North West Coast; a well-respected administrator.
Sub-Committees
In those days it was relatively easy to find people willing to help. Not only was there a Tribunal (which often sat straight after games), but also a seven-person Permit/Appeals Committee (which frequently adjudicated clearance and permit matters), and a Marketing/Promotions Committee, alongside those who managed the then Queen Quest.
In the early years it was essential to involve people from both the north and north west of the state to ensure a balanced approach to decision-making.
An interesting side note: Scottsdale travelled all the way to West Park, Burnie, and to Latrobe for its three grand finals. A few members of the Magpie Army were known to “squawk” about the travel!
Umpiring
The North West Umpires Association (NWUA) has provided umpires to the NWFL throughout its history, with their northern counterparts providing support at times, particularly for matches played in the north.
The relationship between the league and both umpiring bodies has always been remarkably co-operative. The league owes the NWUA in particular a significant debt of gratitude; its members have been a critical part of the competition over many years, with any issues generally resolved amicably. Unlike some umpiring bodies, there has never been a “them and us” attitude.
Apart from occasional challenges around umpire numbers, it has traditionally been one of the smoothest-operating areas of the league.
And our umpires don’t make any more mistakes than those we see in the AFL on TV!
PRESIDENTS
Neil Rawson OAM – President 1987–1994 (8 years)
Neil was a thorough gentleman who handled the rough and tumble of football administration with aplomb. An accountant by profession, he was deeply community-minded – heavily involved with the Lions Club, Tennis Club, Show Society and Anglican Church – and a longtime secretary and Life Member of the Ulverstone F.C., where his football involvement really took off (alongside his long-standing fascination with Hawthorn).
He served as an Independent Director in the latter years of the NWFU.
Very few people could not get along with Neil. His leadership, especially during the foundation years, helped ensure that the north and north west entities worked together; you simply couldn’t help but like him.
He had a wonderful manner of making his point in a calm, reasoned way, even when his view differed from yours. In my case (some might say unusually), he often brought me around to his perspective – but he never dictated.
Despite being an “independent” president he closely followed the Robins – from Smithton to Scottsdale – aided by the fact that his son Leigh played for Ulverstone. Neil famously kept records of Leigh’s possessions in his program. If an Ulverstone player gained a possession on the far side of the ground and Neil couldn’t quite identify who it was, with Leigh nearby, number 4 would often be credited.
Leigh’s late father-in-law was a rather outspoken, strongly opinionated individual who served two years as Ulverstone’s league director. Neil handled him firmly but diplomatically, clearly mindful of family harmony.
Neil was a foundation NWFL Hall of Fame member, a joint first Life Member of the league, and was recognised statewide by his induction into the Tasmanian Hall of Fame.
Time moved on and Neil decided he must do likewise, but not before ensuring that a successor was ready to take over a thriving sporting body. At the 1994 AGM he stepped down.
We were not finished with him, however. In 1996 he joined G.B. “Paddy” Martin as co-patron, a position he held with distinction (still following Ulverstone) until his passing in 2014.
It is unlikely there will ever be another quite like Neil Rawson OAM.
David Templeton – President 1995–1997 (3 years)
“Temp” had big shoes to fill and did so admirably. A former top field umpire, he thought his football days were over when his then brother-in-law, the General Manager, convinced him to join the league as an independent director.
At the time David was a Smithton-based school principal. He became an independent director in 1991 and, having shown clear potential, served as vice-president in 1993 and 1994 before becoming president in 1995 for a three-year term.
His contribution as a convenor and debater was significant.
Being based in far-away Smithton probably meant he had less direct control or influence over the operations of the incoming Devonport-based General Manager for much of his tenure.
David stepped down after seven years on the Executive, but it wasn’t long before he was recruited elsewhere – this time to AFL Tasmania as its Chairman, a role which, from all reports, he filled exceptionally well during a time of great change in Tasmanian football.
He now enjoys a happy retirement, though the Templeton name has not entirely drifted away: David has been a member of the NWFL Appeals Committee for the last 13 years, while his son Phil has served on the Tribunal (including as Chairman) over the same period – a coincidence, I can assure you.
Garth Smith – President 1998 (1 year)
How Garth’s appointment came about is not entirely clear, as he had no prior experience on the Board. He served just one year, with Thomas Gunn as General Manager at the time, and was a local businessman.
Garth’s playing days were significant: he played in premiership teams at both ends of the state, represented Tasmania at state level, and was later inducted into the Tasmanian Hall of Fame. He also served as president of the Devonport Football Club.
John Perkins – President 1999–2002 (4 years)
John had strong ties to the Latrobe Football Club and to the Latrobe region more broadly, serving as a Councillor during his career.
He became a member of the Executive in 1997 and, two years later, was elected president after defeating Garth Smith in a ballot.
John did not shy away from controversy.
During his tenure the league experienced the controversial and expensive departure of General Manager Thomas Gunn, and the relocation of league headquarters from an ideal Devonport location to shared facilities at the Latrobe Football Club rooms, where valuable property and memorabilia were stored in a leaking container.
The fact there were four different General Managers during John’s four-year term is indicative of the turbulence of that period. In my view, he exhibited an over-controlling style that impacted stability.
He also took on AFL Tasmania (rightly, one could argue), seeking a better deal for football in our part of the state. Whether this ultimately succeeded is debatable.
By the end of 2002, some clubs had had enough. North Launceston President and league director Reg Lyons led the push for change, which brought John’s presidency to an end. Some of his public comments were the final straw.
Soon after, John returned to football as president of the now-defunct Leven Football Association, including a stint as a field umpire. He later returned to the Latrobe club, often helping out at the hamburger stand, and served two years as club president – a reflection of his ongoing commitment. He also became a late-career academic, undertaking university studies.
That was our John, who was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident interstate in 2022.
Gary Carr – President 2003 (1 year)
Gary was North Launceston’s foundation NWFL director in 2001 (before being replaced by Reg Lyons).
In 2002 he replaced Ian Wotherspoon as General Manager, having convinced the John Perkins-led Executive that his attributes, particularly from his Launceston base, warranted his appointment.
He was part of the group that ultimately brought about the end of John Perkins’ presidency and, in 2003, Gary became President himself, with “Wother” returning as General Manager.
At one point Football Tasmania (or its equivalent at the time) reportedly offered Gary a role while he was still serving as NWFL President. The league’s clubs would not support such a dual position, and as a result Gary’s tenure as president lasted just one year.
He remained a friend of the NWFL and for many years made the trip with his wife Geraldine to Latrobe for the traditional grand final festivities.
Geoff Squibb – President 2004–2008 (5 years)
Geoff’s arrival as president was a stroke of good fortune, thanks to the foresight of East Devonport President Terry Griffiths.
A former MLC, Devonport Mayor and sports enthusiast with a love of the Devonport and Collingwood clubs, Geoff brought status and credibility to the league. Ironically, his former wife Helen was a staunch East Devonport supporter and worker.
Despite living in Hobart, Geoff frequently travelled the highways for NWFL activities. In one year he attended 20 of 21 meetings. (I don’t recall seeing him at Smithton too often, but he certainly put in the miles!)
He was well respected in the broader community, was unafraid to stand up to our Hobart-based “masters”, and was the best chair of meetings I have ever encountered across numerous organisations. His disciplined approach to running meetings made the secretary’s job much easier and kept everyone focused.
During his watch, the NWFL – representing Tasmania – joined the Australian Amateur Football Council interstate competition. In 2008 the league hosted Western Australia in Devonport, narrowly going down, before enjoying further success in subsequent years.
Geoff handed over the reins at the end of 2008, confident that his successor was ready to lead.
Andrew Richardson – President 2009–2022 (14 years)
In 2005 Andrew was invited to join the NWFL Executive by General Manager and fellow Independent Director Ian Wotherspoon, following a playing career at Ulverstone and coaching stints at Penguin, Devonport and Latrobe. He is a Life Member at Ulverstone.
At the end of 2008, President Geoff Squibb felt the time was right to step aside and allow “Richo” to become leader. After four years as an Independent Director, Andrew had clearly impressed.
His contribution to the NWFL and to football in Tasmania more broadly has been immense. He was a very “hands-on” president.
At state level, he was instrumental in the establishment of the (since discontinued) Tasmanian Football Council, which sought to raise the profile and influence of regional football. He was also heavily involved in Tasmania’s participation (via the NWFL) in the AAFC, both at administrative and coaching/playing levels.
Historically, the NWFL and its administration had a strained relationship with the state body – particularly with CEO Scott Wade. Richo helped calm the waters, building a constructive relationship that ultimately benefited the NWFL and regional football across the North West and beyond.
Andrew not only led the league but also took on substantial administrative duties, including Match Committee Chair, Representative Team Chairman of Selectors, Games Statistician and Registrar.
During Vicki Slater’s nine years as Executive Officer (then Secretary/GM), Andrew acted as the league’s media spokesperson on most matters – from major issues to day-to-day operations – given Vicki’s preference to stay out of the media spotlight. Richo thrived in that role.
The downside of a high public profile was that attending matches sometimes meant copping criticism from “expert” fans. To mitigate this, Andrew would occasionally “hide” by watching games from his car, high up in grandstands, or in quieter areas of the ground.
He was fortunate that his employer, Tim Mead at MeadCon, allowed him the time needed for football commitments while he was employed as a senior administrator in the building industry.
Like all NWFL presidents, Andrew never sought remuneration for his league work, despite doing more than most.
In 2015 he received the Patrons Service to Football Award, became a Hall of Fame member in 2018, and in 2022 was granted Life Membership of the league.
While he was at the helm, the NWFL assumed responsibility for junior football on the Coast, introduced women’s football, and (as mentioned) built strong ties with AFL Tasmania, which since 2011 has provided office accommodation and, in more recent years, funded administration staff wages.
By 2021 Andrew was worn out and ready for a change. After 18 years of active service, he retired at the end of 2022 with a new leader ready to step in.
Andrew Richardson is respected by football administrators throughout Tasmania.
Garry Carpenter – President 2023–Present
The league was fortunate that someone with Garry’s experience stepped into the presidency.
He is a Life Member of the Penguin Football Club, having served as player, coach and president. For seven years he was the club’s NWFL director. In the late 1980s he coached the Burnie Tigers, including their narrow loss in the 1988 grand final.
In 2005 his service was recognised through induction into the NWFL Hall of Fame.
Garry is a Central Coast Councillor (including terms as Deputy Mayor) and a leader in the dairy industry, attending conferences across the country (without the cows!).
Note: In some references above and below, “NWFL” may also refer to the NTFL, depending on the era.
GENERAL MANAGERS
This section refers to the person responsible for the league’s administration. Titles have varied – including Administration Officer, Secretary, Executive Officer and Competition Manager – but for simplicity they are grouped here. From 1987–2012 (excluding 2010) the position title was “General Manager”.
Don Younger – GM 1987–March 1989 (>2 years)
Don’s background included significant involvement with Show Societies and a five-year tenure as secretary of the NWFU.
He was largely responsible for the administrative work required to get the NTFL up and running at the end of 1986 – combining five Northern clubs from the NTFA with seven North West clubs – and did a tremendous job.
Don had a strong professional presence, a “gift of the gab” and was highly respected. A now-deceased but excellent source once described him as highly sensitive to criticism.
It was a different era, and Don had a real ability to convince potential sponsors of the league’s value.
In 1987 NatWest contributed $65,000 and Tasmanian Breweries $30,000 – more than three decades ago. Total sponsorship that year was $199,787; the following year it was $187,282. Compared to today’s figures, and after adjusting for inflation, those numbers are remarkable.
Don also created the slogan “NTFL – Top League in Tasmania”, a play on the league’s geographic location but with the clear aim of reinforcing its status, despite the existence of a State League. That logo remains affixed to the main office desk at HQ – at my insistence.
Don built something of an “empire” around him, with at least three part-time office staff handling operational tasks while he focused on the bigger picture. Given the sponsorship levels, the league could afford it.
It was not uncommon for Don to travel to Launceston on a Friday to have lunch with a sponsor.
After a little over two years leading the fledgling league, he chose to move on.
Credit must go to Don for his work in those foundation years.
Toward the end of the 1989 season, the new General Manager invited Don and his wife to the Best & Fairest count at Launceston Casino as a goodwill gesture. The invitation mentioned a ticket cost (around $20–30). A letter soon arrived from Mrs Younger expressing displeasure at being asked to pay to attend. They did not attend.
Ian Wotherspoon – GM 1989–1995; 2001; 2003–2009; 2011–2012 (17 years total)
I could write a book on this period, but will try to keep it to a couple of pages.
My first involvement was as an “outsider” recruited by Don to be ground announcer at Devonport Oval for the 1988 Grand Final, which my childhood club East Devonport won by four points.
It has been a privilege to enjoy such a long and varied career with a wonderful sporting body, its clubs and people, along with umpires, media, sponsors and neighbouring football organisations.
When I first took over from Don, I inherited key office staff including secretary Diane McCarthy, but it soon became clear (as income declined) that we could no longer afford that structure, so the GM’s role broadened significantly.
In those days every player had to sign a registration form each year, meaning more than a thousand forms flowed through the office to be recorded and filed. Reams of fax paper were used. Permit applications to and from country clubs were common.
The GM’s responsibilities at the time included:
Registrar (until 2000)
Program editor (until 2001)
Statistician/Historian (until 2000)
Media liaison, including two weekly radio shows and occasional TV appearances
Sponsorship and general administration, including meeting preparation and attendance
Paying more than 100 individual umpires monthly and preparing their annual group certificates.
It was essentially a “one-person operation” for $27,000 per annum in my first year, plus a sponsored vehicle, increasing to just under $30,000 in my final year – for an average of 50+ hours per week (80 during finals). I loved it.
Later on, remuneration was never a major issue for me; I knew clubs could not afford to pay more and did not push the point.
After my first six years I was lured away with a substantial offer to a managerial role at The Advocate (a subsequent takeover ended that). I later served as manager at Devonport F.C. (for low pay) and had a stint in the Premier’s Department on good money, but limited computer skills held me back. I digress…
The league’s media profile was huge in those days – photos in the paper every week, radio coverage and occasional TV. The Advocate and The Examiner were brilliant. Terry Morris at The Examiner provided such strong coverage that it forced The Advocate to lift its game at times (not always without a little prodding from the GM). Most journalists also enjoyed a drink, which helped relationships.
How times have changed: The Examiner, Channel 7 and the ABC now largely ignore us.
Representative football has always been a passion of mine. It is vital that players have a chance to perform at a higher level and enjoy the camaraderie of team-mates who are otherwise opponents. Watching the standard at rep training and seeing how much it means to participants is a real highlight. North West players have always been proud to represent the league and the region.
Our success rate in representative games is further proof of the league’s status.
In 1987 Don engaged us in a Victorian Country Football League competition. Twice we travelled to Victoria to play; twice they came here – though we had to pay all costs on each occasion. After three years that arrangement ended.
In 1990 we lost to the TFL Under-23s in Hobart by 120 points. Two years later we turned the tables and beat them by three points – in the south – one of the highlights of NWFL history. Over the next 25 years we lost only three representative games against Tasmanian opposition. It will get tougher in future, mark my words.
Another proud moment came in 2008 when a Tasmanian team comprised entirely of NWFL players lost to Western Australia by just 11 points in an AAFC Under-23s game in Devonport. That match was the forerunner to a series of rep fixtures over subsequent years – yet another example of the NWFL’s leadership in Tasmanian football.
From the very heavy workload that Don, Thomas and I carried, the role was later classified as “part-time” (in theory) under subsequent leadership. The logic was: “Get the right person and the job will still get done, even if more hours are worked than paid.” And that’s essentially how it played out – Vicki likewise technically worked part-time.
More recently, responsibilities have been shared more evenly and today’s Competition Manager, Morgan, is rightly paid as a full-time administrator.
Yes, times change.
Regional football, women’s football and junior football are now all under the NWFL banner – an important and positive development.
I also can’t avoid mentioning my relationship with AFL Tasmania CEO Scott Wade. We were often at loggerheads; I thought I was right, he thought he was. However, he was much more articulate. At a function in Ulverstone one day he told the audience: “I did what I thought was best for Tasmanian football, and Ian did what he thought was best for northern football.” Fair comment. We shared a beer then and have done so since.
I won’t detail here the saga over “the map” logo on our jumpers when playing in AAFC fixtures. Ask me sometime.
Over the years you inevitably make decisions or say things that, in hindsight, you might regret. I may have upset people along the way, but in almost every case, time heals and we move on. As Wade said, we each “did what we thought was best…”
As an aside: I’ve gained something of a reputation as a “constitutional expert”, with a good grasp of such documents. How, then, did we allow me to sit on the Executive for seven years (including one as vice-president) while also serving as General Manager? A genuine oversight.
Along the journey I’ve been fortunate to receive Life Membership and Hall of Fame induction – honours I share with some outstanding contributors.
These days I’ve stepped back, but still help out on the side.
Since 2013 I’ve served as Historian (still wrestling with computers), and for 11 years as Co-Patron/Patron. I assist Vicki and then Morgan with tasks such as the Baldock Medal count, finals involvement, and proof-reading and correcting published documents.
It remains a thrill to be involved with such a wonderful organisation and people, even after 28 years.
I look forward to the NWFL continuing to be the “Top League in Tasmania” – a very good call by Don.
Thomas Gunn – GM 1995–1999 (<5 years)
Thomas came from a well-known Launceston business family and was recruited to take over from the above.
He worked under three presidents and was, shall we say, a different style of operator to his predecessors. Comments were occasionally made about the state of the office during his tenure.
In 1999 his role also carried the title “Regional Manager”, though the exact scope of that position is unclear. It existed for only one year, and Thomas departed at its conclusion in non-amicable circumstances.
My understanding is that he enjoyed a good working relationship with David Templeton during their three years together.
Judy Hanson – GM 2000 (1 year)
Judy was a receptionist/typist at The Examiner newspaper who was recruited to a part-time role during the John Perkins era, working from the shared Latrobe Football Club facility.
John’s very hands-on style limited the amount of work Judy needed to perform, with Margot Short appointed as Registrar and journalist Rod Morris also involved.
Judy stayed for just the one year. Her tenure fell during a period of instability, with the Executive consisting of only four members.
2001 – Guess Who? – Ian W
(Refer to the earlier section.)
Gary Carr – GM 2002 (1 year)
As noted earlier, Gary was appointed to replace Ian Wotherspoon for the 2002 season, his perceived strength being the ability to attract increased sponsorship – which he indeed achieved (from $22,000 to $36,000). Compare that to the Don Younger era and you see how sponsorship levels had evolved.
He was part of the group that brought about the end of John Perkins’ presidency at the end of 2002, and then took on the role of President himself, with Penguin club director Ian Wotherspoon returning as GM.
Ian Wotherspoon – GM 2003–2009
(Refer earlier.)
Steven Mooney – Administration Officer 2010 (1 year)
After retiring (for the first time) at the end of 2009 to pursue travel, I was succeeded by Steven, who was appointed following an open recruitment process.
A hands-on president, various sub-committees and individual volunteers helped lighten his load, but my understanding is that he struggled in the role.
Steve had previous involvement with the East Devonport club.
Finals time is usually a season highlight for football administrators – exciting but busy, the culmination of many months’ work. Richo could see Steve was doing it tough; I had just returned from the UK and Switzerland, and he asked me to “run the finals” as finals co-ordinator. Poor Steve said to me: “I’m over finals.”
Steve moved on not long afterwards – and yes, I came back again for another two years.
Ian Wotherspoon – GM 2011–2012
(Refer earlier.)
Vicki Slater – Executive Officer 2013–2020 (8 years)
In 2012 Richo knew I wanted to retire (again) and asked me to identify someone capable who could “work alongside me” and ultimately take over.
I revisited past job applications, particularly from the last recruitment round. One name stood out: Vicki Slater, who had applied unsuccessfully in 2010. I knew her from her excellent work as Ulverstone secretary and wondered how she’d missed out previously. I found out – and it wasn’t her fault.
I called her, and before long she was on board, providing outstanding service for eight years.
Her first year, 2012, was spent as Secretary learning the ropes from me – and we quickly realised we had a good one.
Vicki has a great personality, gets on with people from all walks of life, avoids the limelight and simply gets the job done. She has a very supportive family and worked brilliantly with Richo.
She had a strong preference not to deal directly with the media.
Over time AFL Tasmania began paying her wages for what was technically a part-time job, though at peak times it was very much full-time in practice.
During Vicki’s tenure the NWFL grew from just 18 teams (six clubs x three levels) to 53 teams; women’s football commenced and a junior competition involving 27 teams came under the league’s control.
Vicki retired at the end of 2020 and immediately joined the Executive, where she serves on the Junior Match and Ambassador Quest Committees.
In 2018 her contribution was recognised with the Patrons Service to Football Award.
Morgan Hughes – Competition Manager 2021–Present (5 years)
In 2020 a young Victorian, Morgan Hughes, was appointed by AFL Tasmania to manage the NWFL junior competition, oversee umpire appointments and administer the NWFA. He barely had time to start.
When COVID hit, all AFL staff were stood down and Morgan returned to Melbourne almost as soon as he’d arrived. He later returned and, upon Vicki’s departure, took over the administration role in 2021 as a full-time Competition Manager, funded by AFL Tasmania – and what an asset he has been. Naturally, being full-time, his responsibilities have expanded.
Some feared that, as a Victorian, he might arrive and attempt to “tell us how to run the show”. Not so.
He has excellent attributes which (unfortunately for the NWFL) probably mean he will progress further in the industry.
His competence in all aspects of the role is beyond question (office tidiness aside – though there are reasons for that!).
He can even type meeting minutes in real time during meetings – unlike at least one earlier manager.
Morgan is an outstanding asset to the NWFL, with a strong understanding of all things football and more. He simply “gets things done”.
He also has more formal qualifications than any predecessor – Victorian university-educated, no less.
AFL Tasmania, who pay him, officially title his role “Competition Manager”. In reality, he runs the whole show and should at least be recognised as General Manager, if not CEO.
PATRONS / CO-PATRONS
2018–Present – I.R. Ian Wotherspoon
2015–2017 – G.B. (Paddy) Martin; I.R. Ian Wotherspoon
1996–2014 – G.B. (Paddy) Martin; N.R. Neil Rawson OAM
1992–1995 – J.R. John Orchard; G.B. (Paddy) Martin BEM
1989–1991 – J.R. John Orchard
1987–1988 – J.R. John Orchard (ex-NTFA); W.E. Wilfred Barker CBE (ex-NWFU)
Note: Paddy Martin – 26 years of service.
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
Modern era to foundation (1987):
Brad McDonald, Melissa Budgeon, Garry Carpenter, Leigh French, Vicki Slater, Shannon Bakes, Shane Lee, Barry Gaby, Kim Miles, Geoff Rootes, Mark Williams, Ben Lillas, Ron Ansell, Wayne Elphinstone, Andrew Buchhorn, Steve Smyth, Andrew Richardson, Stephen Tyson, Graeme Wilkinson, Geoff Squibb, Rob Soward, Phillip Atkins, Gary Carr, Ian Wotherspoon, Kerry Sanders, Michael Bennett, Geoff Page, Keith Ives, Alan Broomhall, Peter Colgrave, John Perkins, Keith Rawlings, Philip Dell, Ian Wright, Tony Stonjek, David Templeton, Michael Barnes, Reg Cullen, Geoff Lidgerwood, Royce Viney, Laurie Caelli, Neil Rawson.
Note: Andrew Richardson, Alan Broomhall and Andrew Buchhorn share the record with 18 years as Independent Directors.
PERMIT AND APPEALS COMMITTEE
Modern era to foundation (1987) – Appeals Committee:
Mike Gaffney MLC, Paul Fletcher, David Templeton, Graham Stagg, Graeme Brown, Bill Harris, Garry Carpenter, John Febey, Kim Holland, Duncan Fairley, Rob Hart, Noel Atkins, Neil Rawson, Paddy Martin, Ian Wright.
There is a five-year period in the late 1990s/early 2000s where no records are available.
Permit Committee (1996–1987):
Noel Atkins, Clyde Eastaugh, Ray “Rox” Hales, Robbie Johnstone, Harry Stackpoole, Rodney Loone, David Anning.
Note: Mike Gaffney MLC (21 years to 2025); Paul Fletcher (17 years to 2025).
TRIBUNAL
Modern era back to 1987:
In the early days, Tribunal hearings were sometimes held soon after senior games at the match venue. There was also an era with a “one-person Tribunal”, and a short period with separate northern and north west tribunals.
Tribunal members (modern to older eras) include:
Noel Pearce, Phil Templeton, Max Rootes, Xavier Williams, Wayne Brown, Paul Briant, Greg Wing, Amber Scott, Glen Lutwyche, Ian Clarke, Jeff Triffitt, Cameron Blizzard, Bill Harris, Gary Bourke, David Smith, Graeme Brown, Mick Parker, Ross Warren, Max Hudson, Glenn Simonds, Steve Daley, John Cook, Warren Barber, Tom Riseley, Colin Saul, John Ewington, Basil O’Halloran, “Mick” Osborne, Stephen O’Halloran, Don Gale, Don Lello, Dick Page, Gus Draper, Don Naden Sen., David Dunham, Kevin Jones (NWFA), John Grimwade, David Langmaid, Geoff McIntyre, Don Blew, Paul Reinmuth, Graeme White, Clarrie Byrne, J. Henderson, G. Stearnes.
Note: Graeme Brown (31 years); Noel Pearce (31 years to 2025); Gary Bourke (25 years).
MATCH COMMITTEE
Formally adopted and recorded in 2017 (previously comprised the President, GM and one Executive member).
Members: Garry Carpenter, Andrew Richardson, Andrew Buchhorn, Kim Miles, Geoff Rootes, Morgan Hughes, Brad McDonald.
LONG-SERVING CLUB NWFL DIRECTORS (Current Clubs)
Burnie Dockers: Jamie Boag – 5 years
Devonport: Neil Wilkinson – 5 years
East Devonport: Graeme Walton – 7 years
Latrobe: Shane Greenwood, Julian Minton-Connell – 6 years
Penguin: Brian Lane – 9 years
Circular Head: Tony Maguire, Nic Bellinger – 5 years
Ulverstone: Ron Ansell – 15 years (record)
Wynyard: Kerry O’Neill – 13 years
REGISTRAR
2022–Present – Morgan Hughes
2010–2021 – Andrew Richardson
2004–2009 – Karen Stagg
2000–2003 – Margot Short
1987–1999 – Responsibility of the General Manager
Note: Andrew Richardson – 12 years (excluding the era when GM was responsible).
GAMES STATISTICIAN & HISTORIAN
Games Statistician
2010–Present – Andrew Richardson
2007–2009 – Kim Gillies
2005–2006 – Will Braid
2001–2004 – Rod Morris
1987–2000 – Role combined with that of General Manager
Historian
2013–Present – Ian Wotherspoon (excluding the period when it was part of the GM’s role)
Notes: Andrew Richardson – 16 years (to 2025) as Statistician; Ian Wotherspoon – 13 years (to 2025) as Historian (beyond his time as GM).
PROGRAM EDITOR
2011–Present – Nigel Tapp (excluding 2020 – no program due to COVID)
2010 – Mark Williams
2007–2009 – Nigel Tapp
2006 – Ian Wotherspoon (part)
2005–2006 – Will Braid (part)
2002–2004 – Rod Morris
1987–2001 – Responsibility of the General Manager
Note: Nigel Tapp – 17 years (to 2025), excluding the era where the GM performed the role.
NWFL HEADQUARTERS
2011–Present – AFL Tasmania Football HQ, Ulverstone
Quite satisfactory and rent-free, but with limited storage and wall space for memorabilia and photos.2004–2010 – Lauriston Arcade, Devonport
A return “home” after having no real HQ since 1999.2003 – No fixed HQ
Meetings held at Devonfield, Devonport, with administration done from home; some form of HQ in Launceston also existed to suit the President/Sponsorship/Marketing incumbent – effectively a “homeless” football league.2000–2002 – Latrobe Recreation Ground
Shared office with the Latrobe F.C. – far from ideal.1993–1999 – Lauriston Arcade, Four Ways, Devonport
A great facility and HQ.1987–1992 – McFie Street, Devonport
An ideal HQ facility created, but later lost when the property was sold.
FOOTBALL PROGRAM AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS
The NWFL publishes what is undoubtedly the best weekly football program of any league in Tasmania, and arguably one of the most professionally produced weekly sporting publications in the state.
Much credit goes to the editor, but ultimately the printer/publisher bears responsibility for the quality.
Over 39 years there have been just two publishers:
1987–1992: Budget Print, Launceston – set the standard with outstanding work.
1993–Present: Richmond Concepts and Print (later Impress Print), Devonport – have done a fantastic job ever since. All publications produced by Impress Print are first-class, thanks to their team.
One day, the program will probably be fully online – heaven forbid!
So that is some of the history of the NWFL.
More information can be found in other sections of the website, including:
NWFL Board, Committees and Sub-committees
All NWFL clubs’ histories
Representative games history
Prepared by
Ian Wotherspoon
October 2025