Despite being dumped from the Group Nine board after almost 30 years, former president Jack Morton refuses to be bitter following the dramatic overhaul on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Morton was looking for a ninth year as president but failed to garner enough support after five newcomers were voted in by the delegates at the annual general meeting.
Morton believes the clubs have spoken.
“I’m not a bitter person and I have no animosity towards anyone,” Morton said.
“That is how the clubs want it to go and that is their right.
“I’ve always considered it an absolute privilege to do the job I did and in that time I worked with some wonderful men.
“I started with Maurie Kelly then Neville Smith and people like Leo McCarthy and a lot of others who are good people, who love they game and that is what I did.
“I love the game and worked as hard as I knew for it.”
Morton, vice president Ray Carr and treasurer Brian Walker all failed to be re-elected with a host of younger men taking their place.
Ahead of the meeting, rumours swirled the trio didn’t have the support, but the experienced leader didn’t buy into them and said he didn’t lobby for votes.
It wasn’t just Morton who was dumped on Sunday but a number of ideas he’s brought in over the past few years.
The grand final will return to the traditional after a twilight Saturday slot was used for the past two seasons.
Morton was a big supporter of having a top four and shortening the season but instead 2019 will see the usual top five with an 18 round home and away season to be introduced.
Despite this, Morton has no regrets.
“I’m proud of what I’ve done over the years,” he said.
Morton was made patron for the season following the announcement of the new board.
He said he felt sorry for the likes of Carr and Walker who had also dedicated decades of service to the group.
Morton, who is already a life member of Group Nine, presented Walker with life membership of his own after over a decade of service.
He insists he won’t be lost to the sport and expects to be at plenty of Temora games throughout the season and hopes to spend more time in his garden.
With so much experience departing, new Group Nine president Peter McDermott said Morton had made himself available if required.
“They will have a little bit of a hand still, unofficially,” McDermott said.
READ MORE