Two Victorian AFL clubs will play in the 2021 Grand Final in Perth, WA., at the end of the week – Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs. Victorian fans can only watch from afar, again this year. So, it was no surprise that a bumper number of members and visitors wearing scarves and beanies and a footy poster or two, joined our guest speaker, Don McLardy today.
A passionate Melbourne Football Club fan and former President Melbourne Football Club, Don’s father was a former President of Rotary Camberwell. Prior to the formal introduction by Doug McLean, the onscreen excitement was building. After all it’s been 57 years since Melbourne won the flag!
Don McLardy has enjoyed a long career in insurance since 1979 when he commenced with OAMPS Limited. He held many roles there culminating in being appointed Managing Director of Australian Operations in 1990. In 1996 Don moved to become a Director and Shareholder of fledgling business Insurance Advisernet.
In 2007, Don merged his own business with close friend Mike McShane, and broking company 
McLardy McShane was established. In 2010, Don & Mike left Insurance Advisernet to commence their own licensed broking company and subsequently AR network under the McLardy McShane brand. Don is still the CEO and has presided over the tremendous growth of the group. He has a Diploma in Financial Services (Broking) and is a Qualified Practising Insurance Broker (QPIB).
McLardy McShane was established. In 2010, Don & Mike left Insurance Advisernet to commence their own licensed broking company and subsequently AR network under the McLardy McShane brand. Don is still the CEO and has presided over the tremendous growth of the group. He has a Diploma in Financial Services (Broking) and is a Qualified Practising Insurance Broker (QPIB).McLardy McShane are a Silver Sponsor for the “Lift the Lid” Mental Health Lunch on 18 March 2022.
In 2008, Don joined the Melbourne Football Club Board with Jim Stynes and in February 2012 assumed the position of President after Jim stepped down to focus on his courageous health battle. Don eventually stepped down in June 2013 after 5 years as a board member. He shared with us many football stories of the club and of two people in particular, his friends - Jim Stynes and Neale Daniher.
Don, alon
g with all the McLardy McShane team, is a strong supporter of many community initiatives including the Reach Foundation, created by Jim Stynes to inspire and empower Australian Youth to achieve their dreams.
g with all the McLardy McShane team, is a strong supporter of many community initiatives including the Reach Foundation, created by Jim Stynes to inspire and empower Australian Youth to achieve their dreams. Don is a former board member and Chairman of Reach, and a former Governor of the Jim Stynes Foundation.
More than 500,000 young people have been through the Reach Foundation’s program which teaches belief in themselves and getting the most from life through workshops, resources and personal development programs.
The second organisation Don has a heavy involvement in is the very successful FightMND campaign, led by his friend and AFL legend Neale Daniher. Don got to know Neale when he was Melbourne’s coach and then on receiving the Motor neurone disease diagnosis, his text to Don said, “Hello boys, don’t make a big deal of it.” His friend is still fighting on 6 years later and although physically hampered, Neale still has the fighting spirit and states he can still use his brain!
See: Homepage - FightMND – It needs people!
Don said that despite their adversity he admires both men for their strong focus, strength and their legacy.
Questions were many including:
The “Luck of the Draw/Draft” and how lucky Melbourne had been in the last few years which has contributed to the success of the team.
The relationship between the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) and Melbourne Football Club, originally a division of the MCC. They had drifted apart but are now formally reunited.
How Rule changes have helped younger recruits to become better players earlier – it’s a faster game now.
Don’s prediction for the Grand Final outcome - Melbourne has been consistent all year and will be hard to beat!
Noel Halford, 68 years a member of Melbourne Football Club, gave the vote of thanks to Don who he mentioned had presided over one of the most tumultuous times for the Club and acknowledged the work of Jim Stynes and Neale Daniher.