Last night's second annual Southern Football Netball League Hall of Fame Event was a wonderful celebration of the rich history of football in Melbourne's south east and of the individuals that have ensured its success and prosperity.
More than 130 people attended the auspicious cocktail function at the Woodlands Golf Club to recognise the tremendous contributions of six deserved men and women to the SFNL and it's forerunner competitions.
Southern and Federal league legend
Kingsley Ellis, former SFNL Chairman
Mark Seymour, decorated umpire
David Luttrell, Bentleigh luminary
Garry Matlock and long-time St Pauls President
Ken Shaw all entered the SFNL Hall of Fame last night, while Moorabbin Kangaroos' stalwart
Margaret Torpy was also honoured as the first female inductee.
The sextet joins the 22 inaugural inductees in 2015.
SFNL CEO David Cannizzo said the Hall of Fame function was a wonderful representation of local football and thanked each of the inductees for the service they have given the League and its member clubs.
"Last night encapsulated everything that community sport is all about - collaboration, participation, passion and friendships," Mr Cannizzo.
"A key theme among all of the inductees has been their love of the game, their club or associations, and the people they have been involved with throughout their journey, which has driven their lengthy involvement in community football.
"On behalf of the SFNL board, we extend our sincere thanks and congratulations to the inductees, and also to their family and loved ones for their support."
In addition to the six Hall of Fame inductions, Ashwood's Mick Clohesy and Heatherton's David Templeton were presented with an Outstanding Achievement Award and a Distinguished Service Award respectively.
The night also served as a reunion for the now-defunct
Federal Football League, one of the precursor competitions to the current SFNL, with plenty of memorabilia on display from the halcyon days of the old FFL.
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Kingsley Ellis[/caption]
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David Luttrell[/caption]
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Garry Matlock[/caption]
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Margaret Torpy[/caption]
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Mark Seymour[/caption]
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Peter Mercoulia accepts the Hall of Fame plaque on behalf of Ken Shaw[/caption]
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Mick Clohesy[/caption]
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David Templeton[/caption]
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The 2016 SFNL Hall of Fame inductees pose with their plaques[/caption]
