The Peel Football and Netball League has seen a change of guard just weeks out of the start of the 2019 season, with Barry Butterworth stepping away from his post as chairman of the competition.
It's understood Butterworth has resigned from the role to spend more time with family, with PFNL stalwart Mal Smith set to take the reigns.
We wish Barry all the best moving forward and we can't thank him enough for what he's done for our league.
- Peel Football and Netball League general manager Geoff Hiller.
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The chairman of four years, having taken up the role ahead of the 2015 season, leaves a glittering legacy behind him.
Butterworth helped drive the expansion of the league through recent years, overseeing the addition of the four netball grades and also helping launch women's football.
The ex-chairman was also a key part of the push for an additional men's football grade, which launches this season, and was named a life member of the WA Country Football League last year.
PFNL general manager Geoff Hiller said Butterworth's presence would be sorely missed.
"Barry's been a very important part of our league's expansion and he's been huge in getting a lot of initiatives off the ground," he said.
"We're really sad to see him go but for him to get to spend more time with his family, that's obviously very important.
"We wish Barry all the best moving forward and we can't thank him enough for what he's done for our league."
Butterworth's resignation paves the way for Smith to step into the chairman's seat, while former South Mandurah Football and Netball Club president Darren Dews enters the vacant role on the board.
Smith brings a wealth of experience to the top job, having previously held the post for approximately a decade and having been involved in the league through a variety of roles for more than 25 years.
Hiller said the league was excited to move forward with Smith as the new chairman.
"Mal has been around for a very long time and has a tonne of experience in the PFNL, so to have him step into the role is great for us," he said.
"With so many new ventures happening you have to be able to adapt as things move forward, and that's something Mal's very good at.
"Also having Darren step into the role on the board will be a huge help.
"For us it's important to have people who have come from our own clubs sitting on our committee. They know what's best for the league and can help drive it forward."
The Peel Football and Netball League season kicks off in less than a month, with round one games to be played on Saturday, April 6.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
