Members of the NSW Australian Football Hall of Fame committee expect the Riverina to be strongly represented in the inaugural intake.
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The NSW Australian Football Hall of Fame will be launched next year with already over 200 nominations from across the state.
Wagga's own Sydney Swans legend Paul Kelly is among the initial nominees along with North Wagga star Laurie Pendrick and Collingullie-Glenfield Park champion Brad Aiken.
The committee has put the second call out for nominations, which close on September 6.
The aim of the Hall of Fame is to recognise candidates at any level, including anyone as a player, coach, umpire, administrator, volunteer or media representative.
Sam Chadwick, AFL NSW-ACT state manager of football, policy and major projects, believes the Riverina will form an integral part of the statewide Hall of Fame.
"The Riverina a proud footy region which has contributed significantly to the development of the game in NSW, at both the elite and community level. There will clearly be a healthy representation from the Riverina in the inaugural NSW Australian Football Hall of Fame and rightly so," Chadwick said.
Chadwick reported that there has already been a 'large number' of nominations from AFL Riverina.
The plan is to induct 140 people at the initial launch of the Hall of Fame to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the NSW Australian Football Association and then hold further inductions every two years, at different locations across the state.
"We want a real community focus here. Importantly, there is going to be a good amount of elite players, coaches and administrators represented but we want more community inductees than elite, given we've had more community participants than we've had elite," Chadwick said.
Greg Verdon is Riverina's representative on the seven-person selection panel and is excited to honour the region's greats.
"Since the time of our zoning to the old South Melbourne up until the present day the Riverina has been instrumental in the development of many talented footballers and administrators," Verdon said.
"From the Danihers at Ungarie, Paul Kelly from Tigers, Luke Breust from Temora, Brett Scott from TRYC and even 'the King' Wayne Carey started here. John Yates was Chief Commissioner of NSW and Swans board member along with many others who have devoted their time and skills in developing the code in NSW.
"The Riverina continues to produce and the NSW Hall of Fame will be a fitting tribute to those who have gone above and beyond to promote our great Australian game."
Nominations can be submitted here.
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