The Sydney Swans would like to express their deep sadness at the death of the AFL’s Ground Operations Manager, Jill Lindsay, who passed away this morning.

AFL Chief Executive Officer Mr Andrew Demetriou said the loss of Ms Lindsay - the longest-serving employee in the history of the VFL / AFL and the only woman honoured with Life Membership in the competition's history, would be deeply felt across the AFL, the 18 AFL clubs and the wider football community.

 "Jill was a trailblazer across more than 40 years working for the VFL and AFL, and a hero to generations of staff and football people who worked with her and admired her. She was a source of valuable advice and wisdom to me, both as Football Operations Manager and Chief Executive, and I will miss terribly her friendship, wise counsel and laughter. Many senior staff, both within the AFL and across our clubs, are today heartbroken by the loss of Jill," Mr Demetriou said.

 "Jill had relentless drive, was prepared to tackle any task and expected the highest standards, firstly of herself, and of everyone she worked with.

 "She was a mentor to so many women across the football industry, and a loyal and trusted friend for so many across our competition, who are feeling her loss deeply today.

“Jill was a natural leader whose inner strength and support for colleagues made people around her walk taller. She would not hesitate to put people in their place if she thought it was appropriate - including CEO’s of the AFL.

 The chief executive of the Swans, Andrew Ireland, said it was a very sad day.

"Jill was a wonderful lady. She had a huge passion for the game. She was tough and very forthright, but always fair,’’ Ireland said.

"Her priority was always the presentation of the game for the public, and clubs had to fit in with that, though she also understood the pressures on clubs.

"I remember at one grand final I was in the lift with a young AFL staffer, who had a walkie talkie on his hip. All of a sudden you could hear Jill's voice over the walkie talkie. He'd failed to get something onto the ground as she'd asked, and he got the best spray I've ever heard!

"She was very strong and never afraid to make decisions, but she was also a great friend. She was someone we all looked to because if there was a question on game day, Jill always had the answer.''

The Swans general manager, football, Dean Moore, worked closely with Jill at the AFL for two decades, and had these words to say about his great friend.

It was my privilege to have worked with Jill Lindsay for 25 years.
She did so much for the AFL, for its people, for me.
She cared deeply for the game and its heritage.
She cared so much for her family and friends.
She led the way for women in football.
She was admired and respected throughout the entire sporting community.
She was a leader.
She had great courage.
She was my confidant.
She was my great friend.
And I loved her dearly.

Former Swans coach Paul Roos said Jill would be sadly missed.

“She was a really nice person, very helpful and one of the unsung heroes of the AFL,’’ Roos said.

“A lot of people get credit and a lot of people don't get credit and Jill was just one of those that just endured and endured behind the scenes and had a low profile.

She was just fantastic and I couldn't speak highly enough of her. I've always thought she's done an amazing job and it's a really, really sad day.’’

At the Swans, we echo the words of Andrew Demetriou. “While Jill is lost to us, she will never be forgotten” he said.