The Essendon District Football League would like to congratulate two new Life Members inducted at last week's Season Launch.
John Elliott and Brett Pallini were officially awarded EDFL Life Membership at the EDFL Season Launch last week.
Both John and Brett received overwhelming support upon nomination and have significantly contributed to the EDFL across a range of areas.
John was an integral part of the Strathmore Football Club committee for 37 years, serving as the President between 2008 and 2023.
His leadership through the pandemic was described as “instrumental” to guiding the club and assisting the league through a challenging period.
John was inducted as a Life Member of the Strathmore Football Club in 2004 and was inducted to its Hall of Fame in 2024 with an elevation to ‘Legend’ status.
The Strathmore Football Club has seen extraordinary success through the period of John’s involvement, and he has no doubt ensured its continued success into the future.
Brett joined the league in 2000 and umpired more than 500 EDFL games.
He was awarded EDFL Umpires Association Life Membership in 2010, before serving as the EDFL Umpire Welfare Officer between 2011 and 2014.
Brett would become the Junior Umpire Coach between 2014 and 2020, receiving a 20-year service award from the AFL in 2016.
Brett continues to serve as the EDFL Umpires Head Coach, a position he’s held since 2022, receiving the AFL Victoria Greg Sidebottom Memorial Umpire Coach of the Year award in 2025.
It was the same year that marked 30 years in umpiring and coaching for Brett, with more to come.
