Paul Connors joined the Old Xaverians in 1987 and was a premiership player  with the U19s. At 18 years of age, he joined the OXFC committee and served for 11 years. He also served at various times as vice-president, social chairman and was the mastermind behind Christmas Eve Croc Rock.

He made his senior playing debut in 1991 after sometime in the Reserves. He played 156 games for the Red ‘n’ Blacks, including several victorious Crocodile grand finals, before hanging up his boots in 1997.

Paul maintained his strong interest in the Old Xavs while building his career as an AFL player manager. He has maintained financial membership and put the club in touch with many of players under his guidance who were looking to continue playing at community level and interested in careers post-football.

Connors joined the OXFC U23s in 2022 as Head of Program, a role he has occupied for four seasons to date. His first gambit was to split the large squad into two teams. He worked with coaches & assistants to create group unity and fairness and was present at both games each week. The teams played each other in the VAFA grand final in that year. In 2023 and 2024, he served as an Assistant Coach for the U23 Ones, and as Head Coach for the second U23 team, which played in a lower section. Again, both teams had very successful seasons.

With the age qualification change in the U19s, Connors oversaw the introduction of another U23 team, while still coaching the second team.  All three U23 teams were minor premiers this year, and all three played in grand finals.

Paul’s contribution to the OXFC has been deeply significant over a long period of time and this honour is well-deserved.

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