Mt Barker Football Club president Matt Gilbert nominated for WA Football Volunteer of the Year Award

One of Mt Barker Football Club’s most loyal servants Matt Gilbert has been rewarded for his unwavering dedication with a nomination for WA Football’s Volunteer of the Year award.

Gilbert will join 16 other finalists in a function at the WAFL grand final at Optus Stadium on September 22, where the winner will be announced.

The 36-year-old is entrenched in the Bulls community having played juniors and more than 100 senior games at Sounness Park, including a reserves premiership in 2020, and served as a committee member since 2016 and president since 2020.

While Gilbert said he was “surprised” to receive the nod, he admitted it was rewarding to be recognised for his efforts.

“It was a surprise, but on reflection it’s very humbling. I certainly don’t do the job for gongs or anything, but it is kind of a bit of a reward for a lot of hard work over a number of years at the footy club,” he said.

“I love the camaraderie and the great people around the club, too. So it’s a good social outlet, a place to catch up.”

Reflecting on his tenure, Gilbert said the club’s long-term success had always been at the forefront of his mission.

“I was heavily involved in the strategic planning of the club and we did a strategic plan in 2021 when I first came on and that’s helped set a good direction for the club, and has made it more professional,” Gilbert said.

“I’m kind of setting the club up for success, both on and off the field, based on strategic planning so the longevity of the club will maintain when I start to step back.

“I’ve probably seen it evolve over the four years to more of an operational manager, because it’s 12 months of the year with the women’s football too.

“The Mt Barker Football Club’s quite a special club in the fact that it’s got juniors, women and and the seniors.”

Gilbert moved back to the family farm in 2015 after his father Jim was diagnosed with motor neuron disease and after initially signing up for two years, he instantly fell in love with the role.

“I grew up in Mt Barker and did all my juniors and stuff through there then I moved away to Perth for university,” he said.

“I was only meant to be president for two years, but I kind of like the challenge and the people around me at the club are amazing too, so there’s a good crew of other volunteers, which makes my job a lot easier.”

Gilbert was nominated for the gong by WA Football’s Great Southern regional football specialist Jaxon Liddelow who said the region was blessed to have him.

“Matt is a doer who gives 100 per cent to his club and leads from the front,” Liddelow said.

“He can be seen every weekend setting up the grounds for games, ensuring everything is in place and ready to go.

“Matt is actively involved in supporting the league and has never missed a committee meeting, despite having to travel a fair distance to attend.

“Ask anyone in the club, and they will say that he deserves every bit of recognition that comes his way.

“He also volunteered to be the GSFL representative when Country Football WA undertook a review of its paid player policy earlier this year.”