Following the Essendon District Football League’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, the league wishes to announce the following changes to its Board.
Andrea Tacono was re-elected while retiring Board member Janette Chantry OAM made way for the newly elected Michael Ford, filling all seven positions for the 2026 season.
The pair joins continuing Board members Nick Condos, Gareth Hanlon, Ian Price, Dan Trindade, and Sebastian Buccheri who was elected as the new Chair.
The league wishes to thank Jan Chantry for her contribution to the league, especially her dedication and commitment to ensuring the women and girls of the EDFL continue to flourish.
The league also wishes to thank Ian Price for his work as Chair in 2025, making the decision to stand down from the role with Seb Buccheri accepting his endorsement.
Buccheri said “it is a genuine honour to be endorsed to lead the board of Victoria’s pre-eminent metropolitan local football competition”.
“I am inspired by the passion and dedication of our clubs, volunteers, and supporters, and I look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to shape an exciting future for our game.
“Building on the remarkable legacy of previous Board Chairs, I am committed to ensuring the EDFL not only continues to thrive but reaches new heights for the benefit of our entire community.”
Michael Ford joins the EDFL Board as the current Chief Operating Officer at TeamKids, with his role spanning governance, operations, quality assurance, safety, risk, and customer experience in the third-largest early childhood education provider in Australia.
Having worked for more than 20 years in the education management sector, he brings extensive experience in the implementation of child safety standards and inclusive practice.
Combined with his own experience as a junior and senior EDFL player, and now as a parent watching his two sons begin their football journey within the league, he has first-hand experience in the culture, challenges, and opportunities that define local sport.
