Stalwarts honoured for life

A pair of SWFL stalwarts have had their combined half century of service rewarded with life membership of the league.

Laurie Parravicini and Barry Rewell became just the 32nd and 33rd SWFL life members after they were voted in at last week’s annual general meeting.

Parravicini has been the league registrar for 31 years and has been the team manager for the South West’s Country Championships team for the past three decades.

South Bunbury delegate Rewell has donated his time and expertise for 23 years and sits on a number of SWFL subcommittees, including the finance and match committees.

Both men said they were honoured by the recognition and had fond memories of their extensive time working behind the scenes.

“We’ve seen the SWFL grow from a turnover of probably about $150,000 a year to nearly $1 million,” Rewell said.

“Big things have happened in that time — we allowed the Harvey Bulls into the competition, saw the Boomers move to Eaton and implemented the points system, all decisions which have been very positive for football in the region.”

“I’ve gone through five presidents since I started but I’m still here,” Parravicini said.

“The greatest thing I get out of it is seeing the kids who start off playing colts going into league and then a few years down the track you see their sons coming up through the colts.

“I also get a fair kick out of Landmark because you see the guys grow another leg when they get up there, they really put in.

“They all commute together well and accommodate each other as mates and then the next weekend they come back down south and bash the hell out of each other.”

Both men also welcomed Kevin Lynn’s decision to return as president and wished him a speedy recovery.

“We’ve had some very good presidents in the SWFL but Kevin certainly rates with the best of them,” Parravicini said.