KYLIE Murphy is the Warrnambool and District Football Netball League's new president.
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The mother-of-three, who was born in Shepparton in 1973, goes Under the Auld Pump with TIM AULD.
Kylie, you've taken over the reins as the first female president of the Warrnambool and District Football Netball League. How have things been going since the appointment on November 25?
Pretty good. I've had plenty of congratulatory phone calls and messages.
It's a big job but I'm looking forward to the challenges that it brings.
The league has a great committee in place for 2020 and we're hopeful that we can build on the foundations set over the last couple of years to make sure it's a rewarding time not only for the league but for all the clubs in the WDFNL.
Did you have an idea before the annual meeting late last month you were going to take over the president role?
Yes. I had discussions with a few people before the annual general meeting about whether I was interested in taking on the job. One of those discussions was with my husband, Shane, who is the president at Allansford.
We wanted to sort out if there would be any problems or conflicts with Shane as a club president and me as the president of the league and after those chats I took on the job with the best wishes of Shane.
Are you apprehensive about any of the tasks that go with the role?
I'm not a very good public speaker and not the best with interviews like this but I understand in this job I'm going to have to brush up my skills.
I get a bit nervous about it all but I'm hopeful after a few interviews I'll be good.
When did you and your family move to Warrnambool?
It was in 2008 and when we moved here I joined the committee of the WDFNL.
I've filled a few different roles over the last few years with the WDFNL with the last one being the netball chairperson.
Football administration is in my blood.
My dad Keith has worked in footy administration nearly all his life.
He's set up the AFL Sports TG Program which sees all the data put online like clearances and scores.
He goes all over the state to help clubs to understand and work on the programs.
It gets really busy for Keith in January when clearances start coming in. Keith is also a former secretary and president of the Kyabram District Football Netball League.
How many years has your husband Shane been the president at Allansford?
He's been there for three years. He loves the job. He loves meeting people and seeing clubs achieve their best results whether that is on the sporting field or off it.
Kylie, there's been plenty of talk about the Reid Oval redevelopment in The Standard over the last week or so. What's the league's view on what has happened to East Warrnambool in the proposed redevelopment?
The league is disappointed with what has been proposed regarding East Warrnambool in the new grandstand development.
We've been told the whole thing is in the planning mode. We're just hopeful things can be sorted out and a place can be included for East Warrnambool.
It's been well documented that East Warrnambool has gone into recess for the next two years.
I would like to put it on the record the league fully supports East Warrnambool.
There have been numerous discussions between the WDFNL and East Warrnambool over the last few months.
We're happy with the structures being put in place by East Warrnambool and look forward to them rejoining the league.
East Warrnambool have a long and proud history in the league and we're there to support them.
Let's go back for a moment. Where did your netball career begin?
I started off playing juniors with Tatura and then I went and played with Undera in the seniors.
I had children so my career was halted but I coached juniors and umpired at Undera.
Undera is like so many small country towns. There's only a pub, general store, school and a footy oval. The town has netball and footy sides. They do a remarkable job putting teams on the ground each week.
The club had a reunion back in 2018 and I was selected as the netball coach of the century and was in the side of the century.
It was a wonderful night because all the girls who were selected in the team of the year where there for the occasion.
Kylie, having had an involvement with a small country club like Undera and being on the executive of the WDFNL for a few years you would understand the value of volunteers in netball and footy clubs. Could leagues survive without volunteers?
There's no chance any country league could survive without the volunteers. They are the backbone of the leagues.
I take my hat off to volunteers at all clubs that give up their time to ensure footy and netball can be played each week. I admire the passion showed by volunteers for their clubs.
What is the financial situation of the WDFNL?
We're in pretty good shape. The league showed a $20,639 net profit for the year ended October 31, which is a lot better then the $77,708 loss at the end of the 2018 season.
What about the finances of individual clubs. How are they performing?
I don't want to discuss individual clubs. Let's just say it's very difficult for any club in the current environment to show profits and grow but the league is there to assist them. All the clubs are doing great jobs but as I said I don't want to make a comment about the finances of any club.
Have you met with the other 2020 executive members of the WDFNL?
I've had talks with the various members but our first executive meeting will be held in early January when we discuss what lies ahead for the 2020 season.
