AFL Wimmera Mallee region manager Ange Ballinger will step down next week after four years in the job.

AFL Wimmera Mallee club development lead Liam Brady will serve as interim manager while AFL Victoria searches for a full-time replacement.

Ms Ballinger said it was difficult to depart from the role, but believed she was leaving the region in a strong position.

She said she was proud of several achievements during her tenure, including the introduction of the Wimmera’s first-ever female football competitions.

“Yes, the numbers are small, but we’re doing it really sustainably and carefully,” she said.

“We now have a playing opportunity without people having to travel two and three hours, which I think is extraordinary.

“I think it’ll just continue to grow gently and sustainably in the years ahead, so that’s hugely exciting.”

Ballinger said other highlights of her time as manager included the introduction of an under-15 AFL Wimmera Mallee Youth Development Academy, headed by coach Stuart Farr, the expansion of junior skills programs and Minyip-Murtoa being named the AFL Community Club of the Year in 2025.

“I’m really proud of the AFL Victoria support staff that we’ve brought into the region, in game-development officers and participation co-
ordinators,” she said.

“It means we are delivering so much stuff now – Auskick in schools and school-holiday programs from Kaniva to Ararat, covering all the corners of the region, which I don’t think we’ve been able to do in the past.”

Ballinger will take up a position as campus co-ordinator at Longerenong College, describing it as a new challenge.

“I’m still really passionate about the area. I love the country, the rural communities and what they can do,” she said.

“I’ll always love community sport, and just because I’m going on to something else doesn’t mean that that passion is minimised in any way.

“I’ve been region manager for Sunraysia for the past four years as well, so it’s a big chunk of geography.

“The travel takes time, and I’m just wanting to be a little bit kinder to myself. I want to take back a little bit of time for my family and for friends and other pursuits.”

Ms Ballinger thanked the region’s clubs for their support during her time as manager.

“I want to give a genuine, heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers at the clubs for what they give,” she said.

“It still astounds me and I’m always impressed by their efforts and their passion – I applaud them.”

– Colin MacGillivray

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