The Essendon District Football League has been terribly saddened by the passing of Life Member and EDFL stalwart, David McWilliam.
David had been a part of the EDFL for well over 60 years, having first started playing with the League at age 14.
He first became involved as a community football volunteer when he was appointed as a club delegate for the Riverside Stars Football Club, a role he served in for seven years.
He went on to join the umpiring fraternity during his mid-20s and has since filled a number of crucial roles within the League with the care and dedication he was so well known for.
David was first elected to the EDFL's league executive in 1972, a position he continued to sit on for over 40 years.
In 1982 he fulfilled the role as the League's Vice President and up until his passing still served as the Tribunal Secretary for the EDFL.
David's vast legacy and contribution to the league also includes the growth and development of the league's junior competition throughout the years, the conversion to the online player registration system and countless hours dedicated to not only voluntary work served by himself but also assisting and training others along the way.
He was awarded the Sports Person of The Year award by Moonee Valley Council for his 40+ years of service to the EDFL as a community volunteer.
The player deemed best on ground in the League's Senior Men's Division One Grand Final is also awarded the David McWilliam Medal.
David's time at the EDFL over the years saw the working relationship between staff and himself develop into strong and life long friendships that will be forever cherished.
His quick wit, sense of humour and care for all will be missed immensely by everyone at the EDFL.
The EDFL sends its condolences to the McWilliam family, David's friends and anyone who was touched by David's life.
