Congratulations have been flowing in since Woodend-Hesket Football Netball Club’s co-president, Paul Podbury, was presented with a highly significant AFL Victoria Australian Football League award.
Amid sustained applause at Ikon Park, he received the 2025 AFL Victoria Metropolitan Community Volunteer of the Year trophy.
The man called ‘Pods’ by those who know him well accepted the trophy and said later it was “very humbling …. but nice to be recognised” at this level.
His wife Anya and Riddell District Football Netball League representatives attended the function.
Podbury, a well-known Woodend businessman/accountant, is a prime believer in the long-time value of volunteerism. He certainly has set a shining example.
He’s a strong believer in community spirit and said he would be really happy to see more volunteers come along to help the football-netball club, and other local groups and organisations.
From a football perspective, Podbury has been a winner on and off the field, as a player, coach and administrator.
He’s proud to have played in the Hawks’ senior premiership sides in 2002 and 2007 and helped both juniors and seniors across the years.
A speedy, elusive and skilled player with a strong goal sense, he still pulls on the boots on occasions when the Hawks’ Reserves side is very short of numbers. The 250 games mark is still within reach!
A long-serving committeeman, Podbury has been president and co-president in recent years.
He has good communication skills at various levels and is a supporter of other clubs in Woodend as well.
Current co-president James Chettle said he enjoyed working with Podbury towards the betterment of the football-netball club.
“It’s amazing for someone in the Riddell League to receive such an award which is so richly deserved,” Chettle said.
“Paul’s dedication to our club and community has been nothing short of exceptional. It is richly deserved recognition for the countless hours, passion and leadership he brings to WHFNC,” the club stated in officially commending Podbury.
He was described as “a true WHFNC who does so much behind the scenes to keep he club running”.
The Podbury family has two young children, but ‘Pods’ feels he will still have time to be involved with the club in 2026.
