By Anne Cahill Lambert AM
Earlier this year, in the middle of March, I attended the launch of the AFL season. I must declare that I actually went along to hear my niece, Bec Goddard, former Adelaide Crows AFLW coach, media commentator and analyst who was on a panel of speakers which included Nick Riewoldt and Anthony (Lehmo) Lehmann. It was a packed show! The panel followed a very funny interview with Steve Hocking, Director of Football Operations for the AFL. Tim Lane, master of ceremonies, delved into Steve’s background as a Geelong backman during the Malcolm Blight era, or should I say the Gary Ablett senior era, or even the Hawthorn era (but that would be cheeky). It also happened to be the day the new medical emergency rule was introduced so it was interesting to hear his take on how it would work.
Steve was in an effusive mood, and was happy to mention how many people like to give him feedback about his performance at AFL HQ. He related one memorable occasion. He was in the Williamstown fruit and vegetable shop, down the back, way out of sight, when a woman marched towards him with some free and frank advice about what needed to happen in the football world. What we all learned that day was that courtesy pays off: in telling the story, Steve was not critical of the woman and told the story in a quite humorous and respectful way. Lucky for him, as the woman was actually in attendance at the lunch!
Other than my very talented niece, the highlight of the day, though, was meeting some of the Committee members. In particular, Clare Cannon was a standout. In my chats with Clare, I soon developed the strongest of impressions that she is absolutely focused on ensuring that Our Club is just that – a club that has at its heart its members. Clare continues to work with John Harms to ensure the Balcony Banter blog is alive and well, so that members can read about other members and their lives in the MCC. To celebrate all that goes on in this club. To make public the great memories we all have.
Finally, I find it really pleasing to see that the Committee now includes five women – not far away from 50 per cent. My father-in-law will be turning in his grave!
Earlier this year, in the middle of March, I attended the launch of the AFL season. I must declare that I actually went along to hear my niece, Bec Goddard, former Adelaide Crows AFLW coach, media commentator and analyst who was on a panel of speakers which included Nick Riewoldt and Anthony (Lehmo) Lehmann. It was a packed show! The panel followed a very funny interview with Steve Hocking, Director of Football Operations for the AFL. Tim Lane, master of ceremonies, delved into Steve’s background as a Geelong backman during the Malcolm Blight era, or should I say the Gary Ablett senior era, or even the Hawthorn era (but that would be cheeky). It also happened to be the day the new medical emergency rule was introduced so it was interesting to hear his take on how it would work.
Steve was in an effusive mood, and was happy to mention how many people like to give him feedback about his performance at AFL HQ. He related one memorable occasion. He was in the Williamstown fruit and vegetable shop, down the back, way out of sight, when a woman marched towards him with some free and frank advice about what needed to happen in the football world. What we all learned that day was that courtesy pays off: in telling the story, Steve was not critical of the woman and told the story in a quite humorous and respectful way. Lucky for him, as the woman was actually in attendance at the lunch!
Other than my very talented niece, the highlight of the day, though, was meeting some of the Committee members. In particular, Clare Cannon was a standout. In my chats with Clare, I soon developed the strongest of impressions that she is absolutely focused on ensuring that Our Club is just that – a club that has at its heart its members. Clare continues to work with John Harms to ensure the Balcony Banter blog is alive and well, so that members can read about other members and their lives in the MCC. To celebrate all that goes on in this club. To make public the great memories we all have.
Finally, I find it really pleasing to see that the Committee now includes five women – not far away from 50 per cent. My father-in-law will be turning in his grave!
Anne with her son Tom.
Anne Cahill Lambert AM was one of the first females to be admitted to membership of the MCC. She is an enthusiastic supporter of, in order, the women’s game (and Adelaide AFLW in particular), women in sport, Hawthorn, the Wallabies and the Brumbies.