Retired judge Margaret Nyland becomes pioneer as SANFL’s first female club chairman at South Adelaide

RETIRED judge Margaret Nyland has become the first female club chairman in the SANFL’s 140-year history after accepting the role at South Adelaide.

Justice Margaret Nyland is the new chair of South Adelaide Football Club.

RETIRED judge Margaret Nyland has become the first female club chairman in the SANFL’s 140-year history after accepting the role at South Adelaide.

The appointment of Nyland, who spent 48 years working in law in South Australia — including seven as a District Court judge and 19 on the bench of the Supreme Court — was announced at the club’s annual general meeting earlier this week.

She is passionate both about the club and the region.

“I consider it a great privilege to be appointed as chair of the South Adelaide Football Club, the club I have supported all my life,” Ms Nyland said.

“Growing up in the southeast corner of the city, South Adelaide was an integral part of the community and the late great Jimmy Deane was my hero.

South Adelaide legend Jim Deane, a hero of Nyland.

Justice Margaret Nyland at a special sitting for her retirement.

“I am also excited to be involved with the club as we embrace the inclusion of women’s football and the opportunity this will provide young women in the southern area.”

SA Football Commissioner John Olsen said it was an significant breakthrough.

“To have someone as eminent as the Hon. Margaret Nyland AM accepting the role as chair of the South Adelaide Football Club — and becoming the first female chair in the history of SANFL — is to be welcomed and celebrated,” he said in a statement.

“We are delighted she has been prepared to undertake this important role and guide the club’s future.”

Ms Nyland succeeds Andrew Luckhurst-Smith, who announced his retirement after serving as chairman since 2011.

Ms Nyland was one of three women appointed to the vacant positions, with Surf Life Saving SA CEO Clare Harris and Nicole Kinnear also appointed to the board. This gives the Panthers the highest female board representation of any SANFL club.

On the field, former players Michael Handby and Josh Thewlis have joined the Panthers coaching panel alongside new senior coach Jarrad Wright, while four-time Knuckey Cup winner Nick Liddle has signed on for a ninth season.