Neil E. Donaldson

1972

Player/Coach/Administrator 1954-1979
University Football Club

Neil Donaldson became involved in amateur football with the UWA Football Club in 1954.  First, as club Secretary with University who part of the Metropolitan Football Association from 1954 to 1960 before being elected as the club’s Vice President.

Neil was elected University Club President in 1963 and coached the club’s inaugural C Grade team.  He held the Presidential role until 1965.  He coached the club’s new D Grade team from 1964 to 1968.   In 1968, Neil’s 252 games and tireless efforts for University were acknowledged as he was honoured Life Membership of the UWA Football Club.           

Neil’s biggest legacy will be remembered as coach and mentor.  From 1969 to 1971, and again from 1973 to 1974 and 1976 he coached University’s A Colts. In 1972, he coached the club’s A Grade. He led University teams to seven consecutive grand finals, winning premierships in 1969, 1970, 1971, 1974 and 1976. In 1975, he took a year off from coaching, and was an A Grade selector and Team Manager.   In 1956, Donaldson became the University delegate to the WAAFL.  In 1971 he joined the inaugural WAAFL Management Committee, a position he remained in until 1979.   In both 1964 and 1967, Donaldson was the WAAFL State Team Runner.  In 1970, he was a State Team Selector and Carnival Director for the Australian Amateur Football Council Carnival in Perth.   In 1971 and 1972 Donaldson was WAAFL State Team Manager.   He was a WAAFL State Team Selector in 1971, 1972 and 1975 and was the Chairman of Selectors in 1976 and 1978.   The WAAFL Life Membership was bestowed on Donaldson in 1972.   His efforts continued to be recognised as he was awarded National Football Council Merit Award for services to amateur football in 1990.  In 2000, Neil was awarded an Australian Sports Medal from the Australian Government, and in 2003 was awarded AFL Recognition to Volunteers of Australian football.   In 2012, Donaldson was honoured with WA Football Commission Life Membership.  In 2014, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to Australian Rules football in WA.  

In 2015, Neil was honoured with his induction into the Hall of Champions.

Neil was instrumental in the formation of University’s Women’s team in 2016, holding the position of team manager until 2020.