The Association of Australian Football Clubs (AAFC) has thrown down the gauntlet to the 12 people who have put their hand up to be on the FFA Board by inviting them to a Q&A style Community Forum in Melbourne on Monday 12 November.
The 12 candidates were announced by FFA on Saturday evening and are:
Morry Bailes
Joseph Carrozzi
Stephen Conroy
Craig Foster
Judith Griggs
Danny Moulis
Chris Nikou
Linda Norquay
Heather Reid
Mark Rendell
Remo Nogarotto
Mark Shield
One additional nominated candidate was rejected by the Nominations Committee.
The Chairman of AAFC, Rabieh Krayem, said the organisation decided to host the community forum because this FFA Board election is so critical for the future of football.
“This is the first time in recent memory that we've actually had an election and that is a good thing. We're just helping the candidates take the next step towards communicating their vision, outlining their priorities so we know more about them.
Krayem said that while it was “terrific” that twelve people had nominated for a Board position, very few people knew who most of them are or what they stand for.
“To put it simply, AAFC decided that we would like to hear from the candidates,” he told Football Today.
Krayem said he didn't think AAFC would be alone in wanting to know more.
“We want what is best for football and what is best for the people in football, many of whom put in countless hours of volunteer activity, particularly amongst our member clubs, as well as clubs at grassroots level.”
AAFC has opened the forum to all, but places are limited. It will be held in central Melbourne at a neutral venue on Monday 12 November from 6.30pm-8pm, and will be facilitated by FOX Sports' Simon Hill and broadcast on FNR Radio and webcast via AAFC's Facebook page.
Six candidates have indicated they are attending: Carrozzi, Foster, Moulis, Nikou, Nogarotto and Shield. Bailes, Griggs, Norquay, Reid and Rendell are not attending. Conroy has not yet decided.*
People who wish to attend are asked to register via the AAFC website.
* Attendance information was updated on 2 November, thanks to AAFC.