Received life membership in 1993.
Ralph Rendell an Ainslie junior, would go on to forge a highly decorated career representing Ainslie 155 times in First Grade. A standout in junior teams and would be plucked from the juniors to represent seniors at an early age. Ralph would become a premiership player as a part of the 1970 Ainslie premiership team and a few years later was awarded the Mulrooney Medal in 1973 for Best and Fairest in the league – soldifying his reputation as one of Ainslie’s best players during this era.
Post his playing days, Ralph continued his involvement with the club, coaching Ainslie U17s and U19s for nine seasons between 1978-1994. After the careful nurturing of Ainslie juniors over the span of two decades, he would then transition to adminstrative duties – serving as director on the AFC Board as well as the AF&SC board from 2000, before he would take up a senior leadership position at the club in 2001 as senior vice president for four seasons.
Life Membership for Ralph is a testament to his contuined commitment to Ainslie over several decades. In honour of his immense service and his time coaching Ainslie junior sides, the Rising Stars Best and Fairest Award is named in his honour.