Hills Football is pleased to announce the appointment of Brad Shorrock as Chair, following his election by the Board at its meeting on Monday, 8 June.
Brad brings more than two decades of football administration, governance and refereeing experience to the role, having dedicated much of his football journey to developing the game, supporting volunteers and creating opportunities for participants at every level.
Beginning his involvement as a referee in Southern Districts Football, Brad spent 15 of his 20 active years serving in committee and delegate positions. His passion for improving football governance and referee development led him to Hills Football in 2017, where he was appointed Director of Referees with a mandate to establish a modern and sustainable refereeing model.
Under Brad’s leadership, Hills Football pioneered an innovative referee governance structure that integrated referee development directly within the Association. The model focused on attracting, training and retaining referees while removing unnecessary administrative barriers and fostering greater collaboration between clubs, referees and the Association.
Over the past decade, this approach has delivered outstanding results. Referee numbers have grown from approximately 100 in Hills Football’s inaugural season to more than 400 this year, while match coverage has consistently exceeded 85 per cent. The program has also introduced expanded training opportunities, specialist seminars, guest speaker programs and inclusive initiatives such as All Abilities referee courses, helping create pathways for participants of all backgrounds and abilities.
As a long-serving Board member, Brad has also played a key role in establishing new clubs across the region, supporting the growth of participation from approximately 6,500 players to more than 14,000, and contributing to strategies that have enhanced the football experience for players, coaches, referees, administrators and volunteers alike.
In accepting the appointment, Brad acknowledged the strong foundation built by outgoing Chair Matt Perram and the Board.
“I am honoured to have been elected Chair of Hills Football and grateful for the confidence shown in me by my fellow Board members. Our Association has achieved tremendous growth over the past decade, and I look forward to building on the outstanding work undertaken by Matt Perram and the Board to ensure football continues to thrive throughout our region.”
Brad said his focus would remain firmly on serving participants and ensuring Hills Football continues to provide the best possible football experience for its community.
“Everything we do must be centred on the people who make our game great — our players, clubs, referees, volunteers and administrators. We are here to get people on the park, enjoying football and creating positive experiences. My commitment is to lead an open, accessible and collaborative Association that listens to its community and continues to find ways to improve the game for everyone.”
Looking ahead, Brad will work closely with the Board, staff and clubs to continue delivering Hills Football’s strategic priorities, supporting sustainable growth and ensuring football remains accessible and enjoyable for all participants across the region.
Hills Football thanks Matt Perram for his leadership and service as Chair and looks forward to the next chapter under Brad’s stewardship.
