By: Daniel Kelly (@Ukurrie)
While the Northern Bullants are building a young and exciting team on the ground in 2023, their off field leaders are already in place and kicking goals.
“We are a new and modern management team, “said Bullants President Whitlam ‘Wag’ Malkoun.
“We’ve put a lot of effort into our strategic plan and the important role the Ants – and Genis Steel Oval – play in our northern suburbs. All our priorities in that plan link to sport, education, and charity – basically everything that is important in our community.”
In charge of making that strategy a reality is new CEO, Darren Bassett. Bassett’s commitment to the Bullants has previously been recognised with life membership and he is now building a new legacy as the club lays out its bright future.
“He’s been doing an amazing job,” Malkoun said.
Supporting Malkoun and Bassett with the direction of the club are an impressive list of board members.
Leighton Wood joins as chairman of the board, bringing executive level experience from the Melbourne Commonwealth Games organising committee, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (colloquially known as ‘Jeff’s Shed’), and other high-profile organisations.
Stuart Gibson is a highly successful legal professional, and has board level experience at a number of organisations. Gibson’s focus is as the director of football.
Amanda Wilson is the Chief People Officer at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and brings a wealth of knowledge from successful organisations, as well as board and volunteer experience within her community.
A famous footballing name joins the Bullants board with Rick Aylett bringing recent executive level operations and project management experience in the business world, not to mention his expertise as Chief Executive Officer of the North Melbourne Football Club in the mid 2000’s.
Dean Wright, whose ADS organisation was the first to partner with the Bullants when they decided to continue in the VFL after the alignment with Carlton ended in 2020, continues on the board bringing local business and community knowledge and experience.
John Elias’s financial acumen as finance director as a successful owner of boutique financial services firm Torquing Numbers has also been well received.
All board members, in addition to their successful careers, are deeply passionate football and community people.
Deep at the heart of the future of the Bullants is connection with the community.
Additionally, Malkoun and the board are working closely with local charities and education institutions to ensure Genis Steel Oval is not just home to a great football team but also as a hub to meet the needs of its community.
“At the end of the day, you’ve got to look after your fellow human being,” Malkoun said.
With the 2023 VFL Premiership fixture announced, now is the time to commit to your club in our community with Northern Bullants membership. You can also represent your club with a range of merchandise.