We sadly inform you that Don Andrews – a big influence in the AFC social club rise in the community passed away last week at 91 years of age.
Don was born in 1931 in Adelaide. He played football until a knee injury limited his career. Don started umpiring in Adelaide and when he joined the Army in 1957, he was transferred to Puckapunyal army base near Seymour, Victoria. Don continued to umpire in Melbourne suburban leagues and was promoted to the VFL Umpires list. Unfortunately, Don was transferred to Canberra in 1961 before having the opportunity of umpiring his first VFL game. Don continued to umpire in Canberra until the early 1970s and also was the ACTAFL Secretary in the period 1972 to 1974.
Don and Bruce Glossop became friends whilst on postings to Singapore and Don joined the Ainslie Football Club as Secretary in 1976 and continued to hold positions on the Committee until 1990. With the introduction of poker machines in 1976, Ainslie appointed Don as its first full-time Secretary Manager in 1977 and he continued in that position until 1985. Don’s professional and enthusiastic approach, combined with a very progressive Social Club Board, soon had the Ainslie club humming with funds available to extend club facilities and recruit Cowboy Neale and other players that led Ainslie to a run of 13 premierships in the next 19 years.
He oversaw many major renovations throughout this period. The 1984 renovation project was the first serious step for Ainslie Football and Social Club to be a major club player in the Canberra Community. The transition from a small friendly suburban club to a significant club operation in an increasing competitive environment was not without its challenges. Don relished this task and it was the beginning of greater things to come for Ainslie.
Don’s contribution to Ainslie’s success, both at that time and ongoing, cannot be overstated. In 1985, Don’s contribution to football was recognised with the awarding of an Australian National Football Council Merit Award. He was also an enthusiastic team manager from the ACT rep teams throughout Cowboy Neale’s time in Canberra and was team Manager of the famous 1980 team that beat the VFL
Maurice Reilly quoted who worked with Don from 1983-1985
“His sense of humour and sincerity were appreciated by Club Members, Staff and many other stakeholders in both the Football and Social clubs. As we often say in the club industry – he was a good club man”
Don continued in the club industry until his retirement in 1996. After the passing of his wife in 2014, Don moved to Ballarat to be close to one of his sons.