Our first Gillon profile for 2019 is Tim Purdey. Footy clubs don’t function without people like Tim. He has been a member of the Club Committee for the past 16 years and has been part of the team that set the strategic direction for the Club with firstly the creation of a Junior Club in 2009 and then the inclusion of the Brunswick Renegades Women’s team in 2014.

Where did you grow up? Kyabram (in northern Victoria).

Do you have a nickname and why? Purds, for obvious reasons. (At Uni, when rhyming slang was in, I was called “2.30”, which some wag translated to “Two Dogs”.)

Where did you go to School? St Augustine’s in Kyabram, then Xavier in Kew, where I was a boarder from Year 9 to 12.

What was your playing career? I played junior footy for St Augustine’s, school footy at Xavier (in the Boarders’ team), some thirds and reserves for Kyabram (in the GVFL) and for Newman College when I got to Uni.

In the VAFA I actually played at three clubs over my five years at Uni, starting at Old Xavs when I left school (playing Clubbies), before moving to Uni Blues’ Under 19s then to Uni Blacks (where I played B & C Grade Reserves).

Playing career achievements? They actually came outside the VAFA. I played in the Newman College 1st XVIII and won a premiership with the Newman 2nds (when Inter-Collegiate footy was a big thing). I also played for Melbourne Uni in two Inter-Varsity Championships, including a flag on the Gold Coast in 1989.

Major Injuries? I can’t really blame injuries for my unspectacular career.

Brunswick Football Club Honours? I have been on the committee since 2004, so this is my 16th year. I was secretary in 2005 and president from 2014 to 2017. I was made a life member in 2013. I am currently secretary again.

Game day Roles? General helper (bar, canteen) since joining the committee; since 2014 I have been match reporter and live scores keeper.

AFL/AFLW team? Richmond (including our women’s team which plays next year).

Favourite player in the AFL/AFLW? Hard to go past Dusty for the blokes. I am waiting on the Tigers’ women to get going before I choose a favourite, but I love watching Erin Phillips play.

Best player seen on the field at Brunswick/North Old Boys? Matt Keown.

Best player seen off the field at Brunswick/North Old Boys? A close call between Damian Cerini and Scott Sleep.

Professional career and current location? Barrister, with chambers in the city.

Family? Married to Priscilla with three daughters (17, 15 and 11).

Tim Purdey 1986. Xavier College Boarders XVIII

Tim Purdey 1986. Xavier College Boarders XVIII