An AFL Insight
An AFL Insight
One of more than 50 activities and events at the village, the “Balmoral Speaker’s Group” has been organized by residents since 2005. The breadth of speakers is diverse, interesting and always entertaining!
In July, the group welcomed Western Bulldogs CEO, Ameet Bains, to discuss all things football.
Having forged a distinguished career in the AFL, prior to his 7 years leading the Bulldogs, Ameet held senior roles at the St Kilda Football Club — as Chief Operating Officer & General Council and List Manager. He won the 2015 AFL Graeme Samuel Scholarship and completed the AFL Executive Leadership Program in 2017. Before this, Ameet was an accomplished lawyer, serving as Head of Legal for Toyota and working as a solicitor at top-tier law firm Minter Ellison.
Interviewed by Balmoral managing director, Robin Forster, residents heard about Ameet’s journey in football, the ins and outs of running an AFL club, his dealings with the AFL, balancing work and family life, his views on some of the “hot topics” in football this year, his hopes for the 2024 season, the growth of AFLW and much more — all in an intimate, ‘fire side’ setting.
And residents jumped at the opportunity to asks questions. Many had Bendigo connections — where Ameet grew up. Others had Western Bulldogs/Footscray stories — like residents Pam and Bruce who were married by Reverand Bill Morgan, currently the oldest man in Victoria at 108 years old… and the Western Bulldogs oldest member! Or resident Ann, who runs the Speaker’s Group, having worked as a nurse at Footscray Hospital and tended to the great Ted Whitten as a young man… not knowing who he was at the time!
After an entertaining session, residents enjoyed afternoon tea in the Balmoral café.
