The Eastern Football League (EFL) Board advises that Phil Murton has tendered his resignation as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the EFL.
After nearly 12 years with the League, including the last five as CEO, Murton has accepted a position with the Yarra Ranges Council as Manager – Recreation, Projects & Parks.
PICTURE CREDIT: Christopher Chan
EFL Chairman Graham Halbish thanked Murton for his contribution to the League.
“Phil has made an outstanding contribution in his 12 years with the League, the last five as CEO and before that as General Manager – Football Operations,” Halbish said.
“During Phil’s tenure as CEO, he has led the organisation through a Strategic Planning period that has achieved some of the biggest reforms in league history.”
Some of these include:
- The introduction of netball and the growth of girls and senior women’s football, with female participation in competitions now at almost 20%, up from less than 1% at the start of the plan.
- Continued evolution of more appropriate junior rules and structures.
- The introduction of the Player Points System and Allowable Player Payment Limits (Salary Cap), including Phil’s key role as part of AFL Victoria’s Working Party.
- The new senior men’s football competition restructure to begin in 2019.
- Continued league financial stability that has resulted in fixed charges to clubs increasing at a level well below CPI, while being able to assist clubs through trading difficulties.
- Increased investment in Game & Club Development resources
- Streamlining of administrative and game day procedures both at club and league level saving in excess of 15,000 hours of volunteer time each year.
“On behalf of the Board and clubs of the EFL, we thank Phil for his contribution to the League and wish him, Fiona and their three boys well for the future,” Halbish said.
Ahead of his departure, Murton reflected on his time with the EFL.
“I grew up playing for and riding my bike up to Surrey Park to watch the Surrey Hills Demons take on rivals in the-then EDFL (Eastern Districts Football League),” Murton said.
“I played both my first and last games of senior footy in the EDFL/EFL and during my 12 years working with the League, I’ve got married and had three kids, so to say the League has been a massive part of my life is an understatement.
“I’m proud of what we have achieved as an organisation during my time with the League and depart knowing the League is in a strong position to continue to prosper moving forward.
“To all the people I’ve had the fortune of interacting with over the last 12 years, particularly the hundreds of selfless volunteers and officials in clubs, it’s been a privilege.
“I hope you understand that the work you do in your clubs is tremendously appreciated and valued by the League and your wider community and I wish every individual and club every success for the future.”
The EFL Board has determined, with Phil’s support, that current General Manager -Football and Game Development, Troy Swainston, will be appointed Acting CEO, starting immediately.
Phil Murton will continue to work closely with Troy Swainston, the Board and League staff over the coming weeks and will finish with the EFL on Friday, November 23.
