Jervois Bluds elect 22-year-old Zane Barry as new president

A 22-year-old club favourite has been elected president of one of SA country footy’s most prolific outfits as it pushes for sustained success.

An SA country footy powerhouse has elected the youngest president in local footy as it works toward long-term success.

The Jervois Football Club, which has won 18 River Murray Football League A Grade premierships, chose 22-year-old player and club favourite Zane Barry to take the reins after Russell Jarvis’ resignation from the role.

Barry – who has played at the Bluds since he was 10-years-old and has been a captain of every team he has played in – is part of a new-look committee at the club.

While the appointment makes him the youngest president in local footy, Barry said he was eager to start in the position.

Jervois Bluds star Zane Barry has been elected as the club's president at just 22 years old. Picture: Supplied

Barry after Jervois' 2021 premiership. Picture: Supplied

“I’ve been a leader for as long as I can remember and a part of the committee for a few years now and with some people departing and some new people coming in it got to the point where it was better if someone who has been around a bit took the role,” Barry said.

“Originally I wasn’t going to put my name forward but something just clicked in me – I’ve got the backing of everyone at and around the club and I think it’s time I take something higher than playing as well so I’m really excited.”

Barry has big shoes to fill after Jarvis’ tenure as president, with Jervois seeing a major increase in junior playing numbers and winning two of the last three RMFL premierships at A Grade level.

He said he wanted to continue improving the club he loves on and off the field.

“I grew just up the road from the club, it’s my second home so I’m super excited to get started,” Barry said.

“The last few years under Russ there’s been a huge increase in especially junior players – we’ve had huge numbers but we want to be successful at that level as well, I’d love to see all teams play finals from juniors to seniors.

“There’s a great family-oriented culture at the club too and we pride ourselves on people sticking around so I want to continue to ensure people enjoy the club and raise their families here.”

Barry in action for the Bluds. He will remain a player during his time as president. Picture: Supplied

Barry, the younger brother of former Melbourne and Port Adelaide AFL player Dom Barry and NTFL star Dylan Barry, will also continue his playing responsibilities as a key pillar of the A Grade side while in the role of president, another challenge he is looking forward to.

“We’ve got about four other players on the committee now too and we’re all happy to delegate jobs, we’re all eager to share the load so it should work really well,” he said.

“We’re confident of continued success with great players and coaches all staying – for the last few years our As and Bs have been really strong and while we just lost to Imperial in the grand final I think for the next few years we’re going to be right at the top.”

Barry will be supported by vice president Shawn Thiele and the rest of the Bluds’ committee.