The Dooley name is synonymous with the Williamstown Football Club. Janet’s impact over 6 decades has been as significant as anyone’s through Williamstown’s 167-year history.
As a supporter, volunteer, Ladies Committee member (including being Secretary from 1959 – 1977) and most notably Canteen Manager from 1953 to 2014, Janet’s warm and friendly manner and willingness to help around the club made her a favourite to many.
Janet’s support of fundraising activities helped raise thousands of dollars of valuable funding for the club over the years.
Such has been her immense presence at the club, the ‘best person’ award is named after Janet – as is, fittingly, the canteen at our home ground.
Janet is a Williamstown Football Club Life Member and in 2014, she received one of the club’s highest honours, named in the Hall of Fame – the first female to be recognised with this honour.
Acknowledging her outstanding contribution more broadly, in 2011 Janet was awarded by the VFL with the Alec Gillon Award for outstanding service to Victorian Football. She was later made a Life Member of the VFL in 2018.
Janet is survived by her three children – Merryl, her daughter, continues the tradition of service by the Dooley Family as the club’s current President, Grant (also a former Board member) and Craig (a former player).
Janet’s funeral will be held on Friday 28 November at 2:30pm at Nelson Brothers, Williamstown. The family welcomes members of the Williamstown Football Club community who would like to celebrate her life and contribution.
