NO.011

RON EVANS AM

All Australians who follow AFL will feel a sense of loss with the passing of Ron Evans, former Chairman of the AFL and Chairman of the Essendon Football Club, at the age of 67.  His service to the game of Australian Rules Football, as both a player and an administrator, deserve the highest admiration.

Those of us involved in the Essendon Football Club will remember Ron’s tireless efforts for the club.  Ron was a terrific full forward, playing 64 games for the Bombers between 1958 and 1962 and kicking 210 goals, before finishing his career with West Perth.

Having contributed to the great club as a player, he went on to serve as Chairman of the Essendon Football Club for the five years between 1988 and 1992.  I was honoured to accept his invitation to become Essendon’s number one ticket holder during this time.  The respect in which he was held by all members of the Club was obvious.

Ron’s contribution to football continued when he was appointed an AFL Commissioner in 1993 and AFL Chairman in 1998, a role he held until last month.  He oversaw a highly successful period of expansion for Australian Rules Football, including the development of the Telstra Dome as an AFL venue.

As a founder of the Spotless group, Ron Evans made a substantial contribution to the Australian business community.  In his role as Managing Director of Spotless, he was responsible for one of the great success stories of Australian business and its expansion into global markets.

His involvement in a range of charities emphasised his commitment to the interests of the broader Australian community.

To Ron’s wife, Andrea, and his three children, David, Richard and Deanne, I extend my deepest sympathies.  I hope that their grief will be tempered with pride in the many achievements of this great Australian.

9 March 2007

MELBOURNE

Contact:

Renae Stoikos – 03 9650 0244