Former WRFL President Bill Baarini has decided to hang up the boots, officially stepping down from his position on the WRFL Board at the league’s AGM last night.
With the election cycle for board positions 2, 5 and 8 up for re-election, Bill decided not to submit a nomination to continue his role in position 8, opening up a casual vacancy on the board in 2015.
Vice President Barry Lovell (position 2) and Board Director Ross Williamson (position 5) were both re-elected unopposed and will continue to serve on the board for a further three year term.
“Bill has been involved on and off with the WRFL Board for over 10 years and guided the league through a difficult period as President,” league CEO Bob Tregear said.
“He served as president throughout my first four years with the league and always provided unwavering support and sound advice.”
Yet while many of us know Bill from his role on the WRFL Board, his involvement with the league dates back to his junior playing days.
Initially running around the local footy field as a 13 year-old, he captained a winning interleague team for the WRFL which saw him earn a League Best and Fairest and Rookie of the Year Award.
Harnessing his football skills as a teenager, Bill played a number of games for the Western Jets before beginning a stint at the Essendon Football Club, where he played reserve grade football.
Despite hanging up his playing boots, Bill’s affiliation and passion for football in the west didn’t waver, first becoming involved with the WRFL Board in 2002 going on to serve as president from 2010-2013.
“Bill’s guidance and leadership as the league’s president over his four year term was instrumental to the league’s development, particularly in his role implementing the 2010 Strategic Plan which saw a significant turn-around in the reputation of the WRFL brand,” Tregear said.
“The WRFL would like to thank Bill for his dedication and contribution to football in the west, and wish him the best of luck in the future.”
Last Modified on 03/12/2014 11:44