Les Tyack has been awarded Life Membership at the Geelong Football Club, presented at the Annual General Meeting on Thursday night after an extensive period of service to the Club.
The Board can elect any person as a Life Member who they consider has rendered outstanding service to the Club, as per the Geelong Football Club guidelines.
Nominations can be sought from Honouring the Hoops Working Group members, Executive Team, Board of Directors, Past Players and Officials Association Committee, Current Employees of the GFC or Current Life Members. View past inductees here: https://www.geelongcats.com.au/history/life-memberships/
Les Tyack's service to the Geelong Football Club commenced in May 1966, at the tender age of 19 when he was appointed Assistant Secretary. He then filled in as Club Secretary for six months up until the 1967 season, before becoming the youngest football Secretary in the VFL in 1970.
In 1973 the Football Club, and Social Club President, Vem Johnstone in his Annual Report said “In 8 years of administrative duties Mr Tyack has gained an expert knowledge of the requirements needed to cope with the intricacies of zoning, permit regulations and general Club functioning. His ability and willingness to accept responsibility enable Mr Tyack to fulfil his role with distinction”.
Tyack was the instigator of a number of important changes within the Social Club during the years, including the suggestion of selling a life membership in the Social Club to raise urgently needed income. With a struggling restaurant operation, he also suggested the Club investigate leasing the dining area to a Chinese restaurant operator, which provided a healthy income and successful outcome for all members and the general public for a number of years.
Tyack also was the instigator suggesting changes within the Football Club that are still used today.
It was a Tyack suggestion that Bill McMaster should be offered the role of a full time Recruiting Officer in mid 1973, one of the first VFL Club's to make such an appointment. History has shown that the idea and appointment was right and was followed by other Club's, developing over the years to what we have today. Other Tyack suggestions that came to fruition was the introduction to the VFL of team coloured shorts.
In the late 60's some players were complaining about the problems they were having with the woollen football jumper being very hot and irritating. Tyack initiated an enquiry with the CSIRO Textile Division based in Belmont to ascertain if there was a fabric that could be used to replace the woollen jumper. In 1967 a new lighter weight jumper had been produced giving the players a much lighter more comfortable jumper.
Tyack departed the Geelong Football Club in November 1977, after more than 11 years of service and is now officially a Life Member of the Club.
