The Perth Football League extends its deepest sympathies to the Donaldson family, following the passing of University Football Club legend Neil Donaldson after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Donaldson, a WA Football Life Member, WAAFL Hall of Champions and Life Member and Order of Australia recipient was involved with amateur football for over 60 years, playing 252 games for University and coaching the club to 5 premierships.

Donaldson became involved in amateur football with University Football Club in 1954. First, as club Secretary from 1954 to 1960 before being elected as the club’s Vice President.

He was elected University Club President in 1963 and coached the club’s inaugural C Grade team. He held the Presidential role until 1965 and coached the club’s new D Grade team from 1964 to 1968.

In 1968, Donaldson’s 252 games and tireless efforts for University were acknowledged as he was honoured Life Membership of the University Football Club.     

Donaldson’s biggest legacy will be remembered as a coach and mentor. From 1969 to 1971, and again from 1973 to 1974 and 1976 he coached University’s A Colts. In 1972, he coached the club’s A Grade. He led University teams to seven consecutive grand finals, winning premierships in 1969, 1970, 1971, 1974 and 1976.

In 1956, Donaldson became the University delegate to the WAAFL and joined the inaugural WAAFL Management Committee in 1971, a position he remained in until 1979.

In both 1964 and 1967, Donaldson was the WAAFL State Team Runner as well as a State Team Selector and Carnival Director in 1970 for the Australian Amateur Football Council Carnival in Perth.

In 1971 and 1972 Donaldson was appointed as the WAAFL State Team Manager and went on to become the Chairman of Selectors in 1976 and 1978.

The WAAFL Life Membership was bestowed on Donaldson in 1972.

His efforts continued to be recognised as he was awarded National Football Council Merit Award for services to amateur football in 1990. In 2000, Neil was awarded an Australian Sports Medal from the Australian Government, and in 2003 was awarded AFL Recognition to Volunteers of Australian football. 

In 2012, Donaldson was honoured with WA Football Commission Life Membership and in 2014, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to Australian Rules football in WA.

Donaldson’s long-term involvement and contribution to WA Football saw him inducted into the League’s Hall of Champions as a Champion in 2015.

University Football Club President Jake Colvin said, “Neil Donaldson epitomised what it meant to be a part of the University Football Club.”

“He was a larger than life character, providing many laughs, insights and historic moments surrounding the club he loved so much.”

“Even in the early stages of his diagnosis, Neil would be seen at McGillivray Oval, cheering every team to victory.”

“But it was the introduction of our women’s sides that really stole his heart.”

“The passion and commitment he provided to get the female program up and running is a testament to his character and undeniable loyalty to the University Football Club.”

“Neil Donaldson is the fabric of what our club is today. He was a player, coach, manager, president and an administrator but most importantly, a loyal supporter and friend,” Colvin said.