Former AFLNT high-performance manager Wally Gallio seeks workers compensation over shoulder injury

An award-winning, former AFLNT high-performance manager has taken legal action over a workplace shoulder injury from moving a slushie machine.

AN award-winning, former AFLNT high-performance manager has taken court action over a workers compensation claim relating to an injury from moving a slushie machine.

A pre-hearing conference for the matter of Walter James Gallio v NT Football Club Ltd was heard before a registrar at Darwin Local Court on Thursday.

NT Football Club Ltd, otherwise known as NT Thunder, was established in 2009 but ceased entering teams in the NEAFL and VFLW competitions in 2020.

Also a former AFLNT talent and pathways manager, Gallio was involved with the NT Thunder as a high performance manager, and talent and coaching manager, during premiership wins in 2011 and 15.

Gallio, with his wife Belinda, was one of the most respected men in Territory footy. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford.

The NT News understands Gallio injured his shoulder after slipping while moving a slushie machine in 2013, had endured numerous surgeries since and could only work under restricted conditions.

He lodged his application with the courts in October last year.

An AFLNT spokesman said the league was unable to comment as it was a legal matter..

Abbey Holmes with Adelaide Crows players and Gallio and Andrew Hodges. Picture: Helen Orr.

He has been an influential figure in Territory football circles, guiding the likes of Men’s Premier League premiership-winning coach Shannon Rusca.

Gallio, who was awarded with life membership in 2000, also received an AFL Merit Award for “outstanding service” to Aussie rules in 2017

Gallio was contacted for comment through his legal representative.