Andy Taylor’s immense contribution leads to MGFNL Hall of Fame

MIRBOO North Football Netball Club’s Andy Taylor was warmly welcomed as a member of the Mid Gippsland Football Netball League (MGFNL) Hall of Fame at Monday’s season-opening event in Morwell.

His contributions to the Tigers, MGFNL and the Latrobe Valley Umpires Association are immense, and he remains a passionate volunteer, currently being the club’s vice president of football.

“You can get so much enjoyment out of volunteering,” Taylor said, urging others to take up opportunities to do so, and describing footy clubs as great environments where everyone is welcome regardless of their backgrounds.

In addition to his undisputed work ethic, Taylor is renowned for his sportsmanship and sense of fair play, something his Hall of Fame nomination said has been a constant example for others at the

Mirboo North Football Club and in the region’s broader football and netball communities.

His time as a field umpire, officiating in close to 200 games, has likely contributed to his sense of fair play and balanced outlook.

Taylor’s footy journey began as a Mirboo North junior in the 1970s.

While he moved to Melbourne to undertake his apprenticeship after leaving high school, Taylor returned to Gippsland in the 1990s with his family, becoming actively involved at the Boolarra Football Netball Club where he helped establish junior footy teams.

A shift into dairy farming brought Taylor back to Mirboo North in the late 1990s and his wholehearted commitment since has seen him take on a variety of roles, playing a major part in bringing on and off-field success back to the club.

He has contributed to the development of junior footballers through coaching the Thirds and Fourths, also spending time as senior assistant coach, and having coached netball.

Taylor helped oversee the merging of Mirboo North’s football and netball clubs during his time as president.

He’s held a number of club executive positions and played a key role in achieving infrastructure projects, helping provide a better environment for all at the club.

He paid tribute to all those who have contributed to improved facilities.

“The facilities at Mirboo North used to be atrocious,” Taylor said, making it clear he has enjoyed doing his bit to improve the situation.

Mirboo North’s Hall of Fame nomination for Taylor spoke of the widespread respect he has earned from parents, players, members, those at opposition clubs, and from league executives.

“Andy’s wise counsel is appreciated at an MGFNL director (delegate) level, as well as within our club,” the nomination stated.

Taylor said footy is in his blood and he wouldn’t change a thing when it comes to the many roles he has played.