SANFL honours 2023 Life Members

By ZAC MILBANK

Three outstanding stalwarts have had their tremendous service to South Australian football recognised with SANFL Player and Umpire Life Membership at the League’s Annual General Meeting at Adelaide Oval on Tuesday night.

Central District and Port Adelaide playmaker Justin Hoskin, who notched his 200th SANFL League match in his final appearance last year, was joined by long-serving boundary umpire Damian Robinson and goal umpire Mat Wilson.

To be awarded SANFL Player or Umpire Life Membership, a player must play a combination of at least 200 SANFL League or State matches.

Hoskin, 32, left it until the last minute to join SANFL’s illustrious 200 Club in the First Semi-Final against Sturt at Adelaide Oval.

Making his debut with Port Adelaide in Round 8 of 2011, Hoskin played 44 League games for the Magpies before crossing to Elizabeth for the start of the 2014 season.

Originally from the Golden Grove Football Club, the skilful utility – who played 156 games for the Bulldogs – announced his retirement from SANFL at the end of the 2023 season.

Hoskin, who represented the West End State team in 2018 and 2019, was the Bulldogs’ vice-captain for his final three seasons 2021-2023.

Two long-serving SANFL League umpires reached their 200-game milestone in 2023, earning richly-deserved life membership.

Starting with SANFL in 2002, Goal Umpire Mat Wilson has waved the flags in 18 League finals, including three Grand Finals.

A two-time winner of the Golden Flags Award in 2019 and 2020, Wilson has also officiated in two State games – 2016 and 2019.

Boundary Umpire Damian Robinson, who began with SANFL in 2012, has officiated in 22 League finals, including three title-deciders.

A dual winner of the Silver Whistle Award in 2019 and 2020, Robinson has run the boundary in two State matches – 2018 and 2021.

Woodville-West Torrens President Christine Williams has been an outstanding stalwart of her beloved Eagles, serving as a board member for 16 years.

Christine has been instrumental in steering the club through the challenging Covid-19 period, since her appointment as President in 2020.

Christine’s exemplary service is illustrated through her willingness to roll up her sleeves and help where required, often as a match day trainer for both the Men’s and Women’s programs.

Long-serving North Adelaide boot-sprigger John Woon has been a tremendous contributor since arriving at Prospect in 1988.

Together with ensuring all Roosters players are equipped with the correct footwear, John has also acted as assistant Property Steward as well as his current role of Transport Officer, in making sure all equipment is accounted for on away game trips.

Whether it be serving soup to players in the middle of winter or tidying up the changerooms, no job is beyond John – including hanging a photo frame.

Dr James Ilic has been an invaluable member of Woodville West Torrens Football Club since 1999,  serving as Club Doctor and providing exceptional care to players and staff both on and off the field.

His dedication is unparalleled, always being available to our medical team even when he is away with professional soccer teams, the Matildas or Adelaide United while also taking calls during the night, even from a different time zone, to ensure players receive the best immediate care or to check on the progress of an injured player.

Dr Ilic consistently goes above and beyond in his duties, starting his days early to ensure our players receive the care they need before starting their workday or fitting them in between his other patients throughout the day.

Whenever there has been a Glenelg Football Club match or event, you will almost certainly see passionate Club Photographer Gordon Anderson.

Thriving in his role since 2001, Gordon’s outstanding photos have been widely used on the club’s website, social media channels and recent publications such as the 2019 and 2023 Premiership Yearbooks and Ton of Tigers, the publication celebrating 100 years of the Bays’ history.

His work is also regularly showcased on SANFL’s website and social media platforms.

But Gordon’s unwavering commitment to Glenelg doesn’t end there, he is also a regular provider of accommodation for the Tigers’ interstate recruits, assisting them in settling into Adelaide.