01/09/2026
A Heartfelt Farewell. 🔴⚪️🔵
After holding the role of President of the Ormeau Bulldogs since late 2022, the time has come for me to step away from the role.
It is incredibly hard to put into words just how much this club, and the people within it, mean to me. It has been one of the greatest privileges and honours of my life to represent the Ormeau Bulldogs and to have had the opportunity to lead, support and watch this wonderful club grow over the past few years.
When I first took on the role of President, I had one simple goal — to make a difference. I wanted to help create a club where every person, regardless of their ability, background or experience, had the opportunity to play AFL in a safe, fun, inclusive and welcoming environment. A place where they could come down on a weekend, put on the Bulldogs jumper, make friends, learn the game, have fun and, most importantly, feel like they belonged.
Looking back now, I couldn't be prouder of what we have achieved together.
The growth of the Ormeau Bulldogs over the past few years has been incredible. From the number of teams and players to the strength of our junior/youth program, the development of our girls' football and the incredible sense of community we have built, this club has gone from strength to strength.
To have reached a record number of players in 2026 is something that makes me incredibly proud. We are now one of very few clubs on the Gold Coast able to field a team in every age group, with opportunities for both boys and girls. That is something truly special — and it didn't happen by accident.
It happened because of the countless people who have poured their time, energy, passion and love into this club.
To our coaches and team managers, thank you for everything you do. You give up your weekends, your evenings and so much of your own time to help our kids learn, grow and enjoy their football. You are such an important part of what makes this club special.
To our committee members and volunteers, both past and present, thank you. So much of what happens behind the scenes goes unnoticed, but without your hard work, commitment and willingness to step up, none of this would be possible.
To our sponsors and supporters, thank you for believing in the Bulldogs and helping us provide opportunities for our players and families.
To all of our parents, grandparents, siblings and families — thank you for choosing the Ormeau Bulldogs. Thank you for bringing your kids to training, standing on the sidelines in the heat, cold and rain, cheering from the boundary and becoming part of our football family.
And most importantly, to our players — thank you.
You are the reason we do all of this. Watching you pull on the Bulldogs jumper, seeing the friendships you make, the confidence you develop, the challenges you overcome and the smiles you bring to the footy field is what makes all the hard work worthwhile.
There have been plenty of challenges along the way, as there are with any club, but there have also been so many incredible moments that I will treasure forever. The wins, the milestones, the first games, the premierships, the celebrations, the development of our teams and simply watching kids fall in love with AFL — these are the moments I will take with me.
I have always believed that a football club should be more than just what happens on the field. It should be a community. It should be a place where people feel welcome, where friendships are formed, where families come together and where everyone feels that they belong.
I genuinely believe the Ormeau Bulldogs have become that club.
I am incredibly proud of the culture we have created and the community that surrounds the Bulldogs. But while I may have held the title of President, the growth and success of this club has never been about one person. It belongs to all of us.
I am so grateful to everyone who has trusted me, supported me, challenged me, encouraged me and stood beside me during my time as President. There are far too many people to name individually, but please know that I appreciate every conversation, every helping hand, every late night, every early morning and every person who has contributed in even the smallest way.
Being President has been a huge responsibility, but it has also been an incredible honour. I have met so many wonderful people and made friendships and memories that I know will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Leaving the President's role is incredibly emotional because the Bulldogs have become such a big part of my life. But I leave knowing that the club is in a wonderful position and, more importantly, knowing that there are so many passionate people who will continue to build on everything we have achieved.
I don't see this as goodbye. The Ormeau Bulldogs will always hold a very special place in my heart, and I will always be incredibly proud to say that I was once the President of this amazing club.
Thank you for allowing me to represent you. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for believing in the vision. And thank you for giving me the privilege of being part of something so special.
I will forever be grateful for the journey, the friendships, the memories and, most of all, the people.
