Committee

Sylvia has served as Eltham Rugby’s Treasurer since 2020, bringing strong attention to detail and a calm, organised approach to managing the club’s finances. After retiring from work, she took on the role to contribute to the club her family has long been involved in, with her sons playing through the junior grades and her husband Tim serving as President.

As Treasurer, Sylvia oversees all bookkeeping, budgeting, financial reporting and governance processes, ensuring the club remains financially stable and well-prepared for future investment. She has played a key role in coordinating major infrastructure projects and securing grants that have upgraded the club kitchen, bar, flooring and facilities.

Sylvia is also an active contributor to the club’s annual Christmas Tree fundraiser and is passionate about building a strong, welcoming community for players, families and volunteers.

Alicia Loughlin is an experienced accountant with over 13 years at the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, where she has held key roles in Finance and Technology. She brings valuable governance and leadership expertise from her career. Passionate about supporting her community, Alicia recently served as Treasurer of the Watsonia Preschool Committee, where she contributed to securing a $75,000 grant for a playground redevelopment.

Although not originally from a rugby background, Alicia has embraced the sport through her Irish husband Oliver, the Under 10s assistant coach, and their two sons, Fraser (9) and Daithí (5). Alicia has enjoyed contributing to the Eltham Rugby Union Football Club through BBQs and attending training sessions and is excited to step into a committee role. She looks forward to helping build a vibrant rugby community where her sons and their teammates can thrive, grow, and enjoy the game for years to come.

Alana grew up in Wellington, New Zealand, where rugby was a central part of her life. Moving to Melbourne in 2014, she continued to embrace the sport as her two sons now play for the junior rugby team at Eltham Rugby Club. Her husband, Ari, who is deeply involved in the rugby community, coaches the junior team and will also be the seniors assistant coach of 2025. Rugby has always been a family passion for Alana, a tradition rooted in her New Zealand upbringing. In addition to her love for rugby, Alana enjoys playing netball and water skiing, and she actively volunteers in other community sporting clubs. Alana expresses her excitement about beginning her new shared role as junior coordinator at Eltham Rugby Club for 2025.

I joined Eltham Rugby Club five years ago when my son, Nas, first signed up. Since then, the club has truly become a second family and a home away from home. I’m excited to contribute to an already incredible team and to help continue building the legacy of Eltham Rugby Club. Most importantly, I look forward to supporting the next generation of Australian rugby players as they grow, learn, and thrive in this community.

Natalie is Louis’ Desbois (under 11s) Mum. She married into Rugby and now has to choose between Australia and France during international competitions! She is a writer and secondary English and Art teacher. Natalie is passionate about supporting young people to find joy in community and community sport. She played field hockey for 20 years and remembers with crystal clarity the day, at 17, her face came into contact with a hockey stick resulting in a broken jaw. For weeks she had to reassure the general public, at her job as a check out chick at Woolies, that she had not, in fact, been involved in a fight. These days her happy place is trail running, along the beautiful trails around Eltham and it’s surrounds.

Nick rejoined Eltham Rugby in 2025 after previously playing for the club as a junior in the late ’80s. He brings valuable coaching experience from his years in California, where he coached middle- and high-school girls and assisted at the California Grizzlies Rugby Academy.

Now back home, Nick is focused on growing girls’ rugby at Eltham and building confidence and skills in the next generation of players. Outside rugby, he works in the technology sector and enjoys motorbikes, old cars and watching the Australian Women’s 7s.

Leigh has a long and proud connection to Eltham Rugby as the son of the late life member John Thompson. A former junior player and a dedicated volunteer, Leigh previously served as the club’s Director of Facilities from 2009–2011.

He continues to support the club in every way he can – marking the grounds, helping on the BBQ, and pitching in wherever needed. Leigh’s long-standing commitment and hands-on approach make him a valued member of the Eltham Rugby community.

Shane has been part of Eltham Rugby for more than 30 years, first playing senior rugby for the club from 1993–1996 and 1998–2001. He returned to support the next generation by coaching junior teams from 2014 to 2018, bringing strong rugby knowledge and a calm, encouraging leadership style.

Since joining the Committee in 2016, Shane has continued to be a highly valued contributor. Through GoPlay, he has helped secure sponsorship and provided vital transport and storage support for the club’s Christmas Tree fundraiser over many years.

A true club stalwart, Shane’s long involvement and dependable volunteer service continue to strengthen our community.