AFL Goulburn Murray fills vacant region manager role

By Aydin Payne

Apr 14, 2022

Role filled: AFL Goulburn Murray has a new region manager. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

After many months of searching, AFL Goulburn Murray has found its next region manager.

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On Thursday morning, AFL Victoria and AFLGM announced that Shaun Connell had been appointed to the region’s top job.

Connell, who hails from Seymour, returns to the Goulburn Valley having spent recent years at AFL South East as the chief operating officer.

Connell — who will begin in the role next month — fills the AFLGM region manager position, following Jamie Macri, who departed last year.

In a statement, AFL Victoria Country manager John O’Donohue and AFLGM chairperson Quentin Thomson welcomed Connell to the position.

“With his experiences and skills, Shaun will complement the AFL Goulburn Murray team and provide leadership to the region,” the statement read.

“We congratulate Shaun on his appointment and welcome him to the AFL Goulburn Murray football community.”

Connell brings a wealth of experience to the position of region manager.

From 2002 to 2007, Connell held positions with Victorian Country Football League as operations manager.

In that role, Connell was responsible for the roll-out of the VCFL online competition and member database program.

He also helped oversee the delivery of the VCFL representative programs and coordinated the introduction of the VCFL investigation officer program.

While at AFL South East, Connell spent time as acting region manager during 2020.

“Having almost 22 years of experience in leadership and support roles in community football at club, region and state level, Shaun will be a valuable addition to the region,“ the statement read.

“With the skills and qualities expected of a region manager, Shaun is a highly motivated and experienced professional sports manager with strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.”