VALE, PORKY
Farewell to a giant
Old Xaverians Football Club has appointed Life Member Michael ‘Ralph’ O’Shaughnessy as its first General Manager of Football.
The GM of Football will supplement the work of the club's new General Manager, who will be appointed shortly.
'Ralph' will be responsible for all things football-related, including recruitment, coaches, umpiring, fixturing, tribunal etc for all Old Xaverian men's and women's teams.
President Matt Cosgrave said that Ralph has a passion for the club and is keen to play his part in developing the football program enabling our players to achieve the ultimate success.
‘We are thrilled to have someone as experienced as Ralph increasing his involvement with the day-to-day operations of the football club. With over 40 years’ experience at the OXFC and within the VAFA, he has a tremendous knowledge of what it takes for a football program to be successful, and we are confident that he will have a resoundingly positive impact on the club in this new role,' Cosgrave said.
‘After a couple of years without a home facility, we are now able to focus our energy on how we can best structure the club to make it as enjoyable and successful as we can. Ralph will be working hand in hand with our Football Director Matt Ball.
Starting his career in 1981, Ralph played 125 games for the Red & Black at various levels, before serving as a senior assistant and reserves coach from 1988-1992 and 1995-2000. Since 2017 he has been the opposition and forward scout for the OXFC senior men's team. Ralph also has experience working with AFL clubs, having performed roles at Sydney Swans and the Collingwood Magpies. Outside of football, Ralph runs his own Human Resources Services business called Mosh Management.