Lindsay is the longest serving employee in the history of the VFL/AFL and the only woman honoured with Life Membership in the competition’s history.
Lions General Manager of Football Operations Dean Warren, who had worked closely with Lindsay in his previous role with the AFL, said she would be sadly missed.
“Jill’s career with the AFL spanned over 40 years and her larger than life personality and management skills ensured she was very much loved and respected by all within the industry,” Warren said.
“Her legacy will be remembered for many years to come.”
AFL Chief Executive Andrew Demetriou praised Lindsay for her ‘trailblazing’ role in Australian Rules football.
“Jill was a hero to generations of staff and football people who worked with her and admired her,” 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.”
Ms Lindsay was active in her role as the AFL’s Ground Operations Manager up until the Christmas break just over a month ago and continued to work throughout 2010 while undergoing treatment.
She began at the then-VFL in 1970 as an office clerk and her various roles in the last four decades included VFL Park Match Day Supervisor, VFL Park Super Box Co-ordinator, VFL Permit and Clearance Secretary, VFL Park Membership Manager and VFL Park Final Series Co-ordinator.
She took over as VFL Membership Manager from 1986 and then began the role of AFL Ground Operations Manager from 1991, which she filled until her passing. Last October's Grand Final Replay between Collingwood and St Kilda represented her 43rd Grand Final in an official capacity at firstly the VFL and then AFL, including also the two Grand Finals in 1977.
Last year, the AFL Commission announced a scholarship in Jill Lindsay's name, for her outstanding service to the game and to further promote careers for women in sports administration. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduate of AFL Sportsready and the first recipient of the Jill Lindsay scholarship will be named this month.
Apart from her working career with the AFL, Jill also gave a lifetime of service to softball as a player, coach and administrator.
