PFA gets behind the Johnny Warren Football Foundation to find Australia’s Greatest Ever Footballer

MELBOURNE

Wednesday 30 May 2012

Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) is proud to announce its support of the Johnny Warren Football Foundation (JWFF) in their quest to find Australia’s Greatest Ever Footballer.

The late Johnny Warren MBE AO and Joe Marston MBE in action

JWFF was established after an extensive report was written by Johnny Warren for the former Premier of NSW the Hon Bob Carr. in order to improve coach education and the technical development of junior footballers in NSW, and is behind this innovative program which will salute the players who have made a significant contribution to Australian football.

PFA Chief Executive Brendan Schwab believes that this is a unique opportunity for PFA to not only support the Johnny Warren Football Foundation but also honour the players who have, often in the face of great adversity off the field, always given their all on it.

“This is a great opportunity for the public to provide their personal endorsement of Australia’s footballers and what they have contributed to our country’s footballing history” said Schwab. 

The debate is already underway as Australian football fans play their part to select from the 72 players and coaches nominated by an expert judging panel to decide the:

• Greatest Ever Australian Football Team;
• Greatest Ever Australian Female Player;
• Greatest Ever Australian Manager/Coach; and
• Greatest Ever Australian Footballer.

A judging panel, made up of some of Australia's leading players, commentators and administrators, selected the nominees based on criteria which requires:

• the player must either have been born in Australia or played for Australia;
• provided excellence on the national and/or international stage;
• longevity; and
• contribution to Australian football or having left a positive imprint on the profile and growth of football in Australia.

Once all votes have been submitted, Australia’s football community will come together to celebrate football’s past and present best at a one-off gala event to be held in Sydney on Thursday 12 July 2012. All funds raised by the project will go to the JWFF to fund its programs.

To vote or to purchase tickets to The Greatest Ever Footballer event, please go to www.greatesteveraustralianfootballer.com

ENDS