NEW MELBOURNE president Don McLardy says the time was right to bring back former captain Greg ‘Sugar’ Healy to the club.
McLardy said Healy, who has become a director via a ‘casual vacancy’, will be the board’s football director and bring business acumen to the table, particularly given his standing as chairman of Quiksilver Asia Pacific.
“Greg’s name was near the top of the list all the way along, as were a couple of others, but we wanted to make that appointment at the right time,” McLardy said.
“Garry [Lyon] has now concluded his role … and Greg coming on now really completes the puzzle for us.”
McLardy said that now the club had locked in its key positions, it was time to focus on the year ahead.
“If we look across our club, we let ourselves down in a few areas last year and I’m not making any excuses for that,” he said.
“It’s extremely competitive and it’s ruthless, but we’re ready for that, and we want to take Melbourne back to what we see as its rightful place as a power in the AFL.
“And we’re really going to be competitive and that’s going to be across our whole club.”
McLardy conceded that 2011 was a disappointing year, but one in which the club learned plenty.
“We certainly think we’ve made very significant progress over the last three or four years in many respects in both on and off the ground. And we would expect that to continue,” he said.
“I think predominantly we’re going up - and we’re determined to keep that going.”
Meanwhile, director Russel Howcroft said the club was “saddened to hear of Jim’s decision” to stand down. But he said that the contribution already made by board member and new president Don McLardy could not be underestimated.
“Much will be said and written about the incredible leadership and successes of Jim’s presidency. Your record attendance tonight reflects our new found strength,” Howcroft said.
“It is also important to acknowledge Don McLardy’s role in the creation of the current board’s make-up, and his role since June 2008 in the advancement of our football club.
“Many of you know Don McLardy has been at Jim’s side since day one of his Presidency. He has been there with Jim in health, and in sickness.
“Don’s passion for our club is well known … Jim and Don together masterminded the famous first Foundation Heroes event and Don has driven this mega fundraiser ever since. Don is well known to supporter groups, the AFL, and much of the media, and is genuinely respected by the administration, coaching and player groups.”
Directors Stynes, Peter Spargo, Stuart Grimshaw and David Thurin were up for reelection. Spargo, Grimshaw and Thurin were reelected unopposed, while Stynes stood down.
Meanwhile, Melbourne named cheer squad coordinator Lorraine Beaman as its volunteer of the year.
McLardy said Healy, who has become a director via a ‘casual vacancy’, will be the board’s football director and bring business acumen to the table, particularly given his standing as chairman of Quiksilver Asia Pacific.
“Greg’s name was near the top of the list all the way along, as were a couple of others, but we wanted to make that appointment at the right time,” McLardy said.
“Garry [Lyon] has now concluded his role … and Greg coming on now really completes the puzzle for us.”
McLardy said that now the club had locked in its key positions, it was time to focus on the year ahead.
“If we look across our club, we let ourselves down in a few areas last year and I’m not making any excuses for that,” he said.
“It’s extremely competitive and it’s ruthless, but we’re ready for that, and we want to take Melbourne back to what we see as its rightful place as a power in the AFL.
“And we’re really going to be competitive and that’s going to be across our whole club.”
McLardy conceded that 2011 was a disappointing year, but one in which the club learned plenty.
“We certainly think we’ve made very significant progress over the last three or four years in many respects in both on and off the ground. And we would expect that to continue,” he said.
“I think predominantly we’re going up - and we’re determined to keep that going.”
Meanwhile, director Russel Howcroft said the club was “saddened to hear of Jim’s decision” to stand down. But he said that the contribution already made by board member and new president Don McLardy could not be underestimated.
“Much will be said and written about the incredible leadership and successes of Jim’s presidency. Your record attendance tonight reflects our new found strength,” Howcroft said.
“It is also important to acknowledge Don McLardy’s role in the creation of the current board’s make-up, and his role since June 2008 in the advancement of our football club.
“Many of you know Don McLardy has been at Jim’s side since day one of his Presidency. He has been there with Jim in health, and in sickness.
“Don’s passion for our club is well known … Jim and Don together masterminded the famous first Foundation Heroes event and Don has driven this mega fundraiser ever since. Don is well known to supporter groups, the AFL, and much of the media, and is genuinely respected by the administration, coaching and player groups.”
Directors Stynes, Peter Spargo, Stuart Grimshaw and David Thurin were up for reelection. Spargo, Grimshaw and Thurin were reelected unopposed, while Stynes stood down.
Meanwhile, Melbourne named cheer squad coordinator Lorraine Beaman as its volunteer of the year.
