2025 Committee
Matthew Armstrong
President
Mathew, now in his third year as Club President, continues to drive forward the vision of a unified and thriving OHAFC community. Embracing a 'One Club' ethos, Matthew has prioritised the holistic development of players both on and off the field, fostering a culture of inclusivity, positivity, and excellence within the OHAFC family.
As a distinguished life member of the club, Matthew's contributions extend far beyond his role as President. With an impressive record of over 300 games, including three including three
Premiership wins, Best and Fairest accolades, Club Captaincy, and recognition in the
esteemed Team of the Century, his commitment to the club's success is unparalleled.
Beyond the field, Matthew excels in his professional endeavours as Owner and Executive
Director of PM Group, a leading firm specialising in financial advice tailored to medical professionals. With expertise spanning tax, accounting, wealth creation, insurance, superannuation, lending, legal, and property advisory, Matthew ensures the financial well-
being of his clients with precision and care.
As a valued board member of PM Group, Matthew plays a pivotal role in strategic leadership and governance, collaborating with fellow directors to uphold the highest standards of excellence.
Whop: a leader on and off the field, driving positive change and inspiring success both within the OHAFC and beyond.
David Lappage
Vice President
David Lappage, a cornerstone of the OHAFC community, steps into the role of Head
Coach for the Women's Team in 2024, marking yet another milestone in his illustrious
tenure with the club. All while still holding the position of Vice President. With a deep-
rooted connection spanning over three decades, David's journey from champion player
to Vice President epitomises his unwavering dedication to the club's success.
During his playing years from 1991 to 2004, David's commitment and skill were instrumental in shaping the club's legacy. Transitioning seamlessly into coaching roles, he led the U19's from 2005 to 2007, the seniors in 2010-2011, and the school First XVIll from 2012 to 2019, leaving an indelible mark with a remarkable Premiership three-peat in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
David's pride in nurturing the next generation of Magenta and Black players is evident, as he witnesses the continued representation of the club on the field by recent school leavers. His leadership, both on and off the field, embodies the true spirit of Haileybury,
inspiring excellence and camaraderie among players and supporters alike. David Lappage: a revered figure, a champion of the game, and a driving force behind the ongoing success of the OHAFC.
Nick Wakeling
Secretary
Nick Wakeling, an esteemed Old Haileyburian (OH88) and dedicated Haileybury parent,
brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role as Secretary for the OHAFC in 2024.
A staunch supporter of the OHAFC, Nick's commitment to the club extends beyond the
Football Club, as he is also an active member of the Old Haileybury Bowls Club. With
tertiary qualifications in Industrial Relations, Nick's professional journey has seen him
contribute to various private and public sector organizations, showcasing his versatility
and expertise.
Nick's dedication to community service is evident through his extensive tenure
representing the Knox community. Beginning as a councillor with the City of Knox, Nick's leadership and advocacy led him to serve 16 years in the Victorian Parliament. Throughout his parliamentary career, Nick held esteemed positions including Shadow Minister, Cabinet Secretary, and Minister for Higher Education and Skills, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to serving the needs of his constituents and the broader community.
As Secretary of the OHAFC, Nick's unique blend of experience, leadership, and dedication will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and growth of the club, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community for all members.
David Connell
Revenue Streams
David, an esteemed OHAFC Life Member, epitomises dedication both on and off the field,
boasting a stellar record of 197 games played. His remarkable contributions span various
roles, from former club captain to triple Premiership player and dual Best and Fairest
winner, culminating in his well-deserved inclusion in the esteemed Team of the Century.
David's commitment extends beyond the club, representing the VAFA with pride on
multiple occasions.
As Head of Revenue streams, David plays a pivotal role in driving the financial success of
the club. Leveraging his expertise and leadership, he spearheads initiatives to ensure
sustainable growth and prosperity. David's support extends to the corporate realm through Bedshed Dandenong, a proud partner of the OHAFC. As a vital member of the Executive Committee, he oversees Corporate Partnerships and Memberships, fostering collaborative relationships that strengthen the club's corporate engagement.
For inquiries or partnership opportunities, David welcomes direct contact at 0410426423, showcasing his dedication to fostering meaningful connections and advancing the club's mission.
Lex Lasry
Legal & Governance
Lex's association with Haileybury spans from 1960 to 1966, and subsequent to his tenure,
he briefly engaged in the Old Haileyburians footy club before diversifying his pursuits
within the realm of sports. Commencing his legal career in 1973, Lex became a distinguished member of the Victorian Bar, specialising in criminal law. His professional trajectory saw notable milestones, including his appointment as Queen's Counsel in 1990, with a continued focus on criminal law.
In 2007, Lex attained the prestigious position of a Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria, exemplifying his legal acumen and standing. His contributions to the legal profession were further underscored by being the inaugural recipient of the OHA Medal in 2008 and his appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2015. Throughout his illustrious career, Lex actively participated in numerous Royal Commissions and Inquiries. His legal expertise extended globally, where he defended individuals facing charges in foreign countries, particularly those involving death penalty offenses. Within the committee, Lex will assume a pivotal role focused on legal oversight and governance, aligning with his extensive legal background.
Sal Algeri
Treasurer
As a dedicated parent of an Old Haileyburian, Sal Alger seamlessly transitioned his
involvement from familial to professional, enriching the Club's Committee as Treasurer
since 2019. With a robust background in finance, Sal brings invaluable acumen to the
table, ensuring sound fiscal management and strategic decision-making.
In his illustrious career at Deloitte, one of the world's premier consulting firms, Sal serves
as the National Deloitte Restructuring Leader. His expertise lies in providing comprehensive support to key stakeholders, navigating them through independent commercial, strategic, and financial reviews.
Sal's portfolio showcases a breadth of experience and a proven track record of delivering tangible results. With a passion for fostering resilience and driving sustainable growth, Sal Algeri epitomises excellence in financial leadership and corporate restructuring, leaving an indelible. mark on every endeavour he undertakes.
Lisa Biffin
Lisa brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her row as Women's Football
Coordinator at the OHAFC. With two years of volunteer service as the Men's Reserves
Team Manager and a deep commitment as a parent of Old Haileyburians, Lisa's passion
for the club shines through.
In her professional capacity, Lisa draws on over two decades of experience in the
Psychological and Educational sectors, specializing in mentoring and support for young
adults. This background equips her perfectly to foster inclusivity, connectedness, and
empowerment within the Women's Program and the Club as a whole.
As Women's Football Coordinator, Lisa is poised to make a significant impact, leveraging her expertise to drive the development and cohesion of the club. Her dedication to the OHAFC community and her professional skills make her an invaluable asset in advancing the club's objectives and supporting its members.
Jacob Gown
Social Engagement
As a committee member of OHAFC, Jacob brings his legal expertise and community-focused approach to the club, contributing to its ongoing success and development.
Jacob has been an active member of the local community and joined KPA Lawyers in 2021 as a paralegal while completing his legal studies at Swinburne University of Technology. With a strong interest in litigation, he assisted in commercial and civil litigation matters before graduating in 2022 with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Media and Communications.
Since then, Jacob has continued his legal career at KPA Lawyers, completing his professional traineeship and being admitted to practice in 2024. Known for his promptness and attention to detail, Jacob is dedicated to supporting both his clients and the broader community.
Isabella Scaunich
Isabella Scaunich is a passionate and results-driven marketing professional with a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) from RMIT University. With a keen eye for strategy and branding, she has worked across various projects, including marketing strategy analysis, social media growth, and brand development.
Beyond marketing, Isabella has been a dedicated member of her football club for the past four years, demonstrating leadership both on and off the field. Being the first father-daughter at the Club Isabella follows her dads footsteps playing at Old Haileybury. Last year, she led the women's team as captain, fostering a strong team culture and driving success. Her commitment to community and teamwork is reflected in both her professional and sporting endeavors.
