The AFL has announced a number of key figures that will receive Life Membership this year, with three Geelong greats among those set to be recognised at the 2025 premiership season launch in March. 

The late Michael 'Mick' Turner has been recognised for his contribution to the game and the Geelong Football Club, an incredible man that spent over 45 years serving Australian Rules Football. 

Across his career, Mick played 245 games for Geelong between 1974 and 1988, captaining the Cats from 1984 to 1986 while also being named on the wing in Geelong's Team of the Century. 

Turner went on to have a profound impact on the game following his playing career, spending 25 years as Talent Manager of the Geelong Falcons, helping 134 men and women fulfil their dream of becoming an AFL or AFLW player. 

A hugely influential figure in the history of Australian Rules Football, Mick was notified of his honour before he unfortunately passed away late last year.

Michael Turner in action against Richmond in Round 8, 1982. Credit Bob Gartland Collection

Mitch Duncan and Zach Tuohy will also receive Life Membership in 2025, after the pair qualified under the provision relating to 300 official games. 

At the conclusion of the 2024 AFL season, Duncan had played 295 premiership games and a further 22 official pre-season games, automatically qualifying for Life Membership this year. 

Often considered one of the competition's most underrated stars, Duncan was influential in two Geelong premierships (2011 & 2022) while consistently ranking among the best ball-users in the AFL. 

Zach Tuohy has also been recognised for his contribution to the game, finishing his career at the end of 2024 with 288 premiership games, 19 official pre-season games, one State of Origin match and six International Rules Tests. 

A popular figure at the Geelong Football Club, Tuohy also played an instrumental role in Geelong's 2022 premiership, while also finishing with the most games for any Irish-born player in V/AFL history. 

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 24: Zach Tuohy (left) and Mitch Duncan of the Cats run up the race during the 2024 AFL Round 24 match between the Geelong Cats and the West Coast Eagles at GMHBA Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

Mr Dillon said the AFL congratulated each of the new Life members and the game was grateful for the extraordinary service they had collective given across administration, playing, umpiring, talent identification, medical support and assistance and mentoring to others who had come behind them.

“Life membership of the AFL is a high honour and recognises both quality of service across many years and an incredible love for the game and support for its growth and future success,” Mr Dillon said.

“Each of our new life members has been a leader for our game in their work, has supported so many others around them, and been someone who has changed our game for the better.

“We look forward to welcoming them at our season launch in Sydney in March and to celebrate them in front of the football family as we welcome a new year for our game,” he said.

New AFL Life Members (Service)

  • The late Michael Turner

  • Barry Capuano

  • David Flegg

  • Gillon McLachlan

  • Anthony Shepherd

  • Dr Ian Stone 

Jack Titus Award - Georgie Day

 

New AFL Life Members (Games)

  • Mitch Duncan

  • Zach Tuohy 

  • Jack Darling 

  • Leigh Fisher 

  • Andrew Gaff 

  • Liam Shiels