EFL Chairman Mr Graham Halbish has announced Phil Murton as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Eastern Football League.
Mr Halbish made the announcement during the Division 1 Grand Final lunch at Bayswater Oval on Saturday. Over 140 guests were in attendance, including three Victoria Police Assistant Commissioners, local members, state ministers, EFL club presidents and sponsors.
Mr Halbish says Murton, the EFL’s General Manager of Football Operations for the past seven years, was selected for the role after a long and extensive interview process.
‘During his seven years as Football Operations Manager, Phil Murton has worked closely with outgoing CEO Rob Sharpe on a number of successful league initiatives. He has also, over that time, developed positive and respectful relationships with the 48 clubs affiliated with the EFL,’ Mr Halbish said.
‘Phil brings a wealth of football and in-house experience to the CEO role, as well as strong organisation and communication skills.’
Murton’s football background includes playing stints with Hawthorn and Collingwood in the AFL, South Adelaide in the SANFL, De La Salle in the VAFA and Surrey Hills and Noble Park in the EFL. He has significant administration experience from his time as Director of Sport at De La Salle College.
He has an honours degree in Exercise Physiology, a Bachelor of Education and is currently completing a Masters of Business and Administration at Monash University.
Murton is delighted to be stepping up to the new role.
‘I’m excited by the opportunity I’ve been given by Graham and the Board. My involvement in the EFL goes back to the ‘80s, riding my bike to watch Surrey Hills seniors playing up at Surrey Park,’ he said.
‘Having grown up in the area and having played in the competition at both the start and the end of my career, I fully appreciate the critical role the game and our clubs play in the communities of the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne.’
AS CEO, Murton is looking forward to working and growing the relationships already established with clubs and other key stakeholders.
‘The league is in a strong position at the moment and I’m keen to continue to work hard to ensure our clubs, the league and the game of Australian Rules continues to grow in the East of Melbourne,’ he said.