The Queensland football community is mourning the passing of AFL Hall of Fame member John Broad.
Involved with AFL Capricornia from the time of the League’s foundation in 1972, John was widely acknowledged as the backbone of the code in the region.
He served as the President and Secretary for AFL Capricornia, Rockhampton Panthers and the Capricornia Junior AFL.
He was also president of the Central Queensland Australian Football Association during the 80s and 90s. After a brief break from administration he returned in 2000 to give leadership to the league as President again until 2005.
John Initiated a reserve grade competition in 1982, he was also instrumental in the commencement of the inaugural U13 grade in 1983 and U11s in 1984.
He started producing the local Football Record from the shed in his back yard (affectionately described as “The Hub of Inefficiency”) in the 1980s. Sadly, the 2015 Grand Final Record will be his last.
In 1982 he was elected to the Rockhampton City Council, and served as the chairman of the Parks, Sport and Recreation committee from 1982-90 and 2000-08.
During this time he initiated a concept known as “The New Deal for Sport”. It resulted in the conversion of derelict sporting grounds into fully irrigated, properly fenced and maintained fields. Of course Australian Football clubs benefitted from this deal.
At the time of his passing John was league Media Officer and secretary of the Rockhampton cricket ground management committee.
Affectionately described as the “Mouth from the South” by his North Queensland colleagues, he was known for his forthright and visionary views which he backed up by action and results
In addition to his status as an AFL Queensland Hall of Fame member, his enormous contribution to the game has earned him AFL Capricornia life membership and the naming of the John Broad Medal, which is presented to the Best Player for AFL Capricornia in Representative AFL Matches.
An extraordinary man, who leaves an extraordinary legacy, John’s memory will long live on through wife Dot, children Lara and Michelle and those who love and play our game.
