Vale Les Ash

AFL Barwon is saddened to hear of the passing of the pioneer of the Bellarine Football Netball League, Les Ash.

The Bellarine FNL and Les Ash have a synergy that either can’t be mentioned without an association to the other. Les played an integral role in the establishment of the Bellarine Football Netball League and the integration of the Bellarine District Netball Association in 1972.

The Foundation President of the League, Les served a term from 1971 to 1978. He was awarded with the first Bellarine FNL Life Membership in 1978 for his service and contributions to the League. In 1989, the Bellarine Senior Football Best and Fairest Medal was renamed as the Les Ash Medal.

Les had his own personal football journey through his playing career at St Albans and Leopold before taking on off field roles as the first secretary of the newly formed Leopold Football Netball Club, and Senior Vice President of the Polworth League.

The Les Ash legacy will always remain in the Bellarine Football Netball League, and the AFL Barwon community is forever grateful for his role in community football and netball in our region.

The AFL Barwon Chairperson, Commission, Staff and all member clubs, Bellarine FNL Board, and all members extend their deepest sympathies to the Ash family.