Patterson, who arrived on the Border from Mildura in 1993 for employment, has decided against seeking re-nomination with his last official duty being in January.

“It’s a hard decision because I’ve spent a significant part of my life involved in football through a variety of roles such as a player and coach but predominantly in administration,” Patterson said.

“However I believe the Ovens and Murray, like all organisations, needs a refreshing of ideas and new blood and I just felt it was the right time.

“It’s been a wonderful journey and a privilege and honour to serve the community and clubs.”

Patterson served nine years as vice-chairman before taking over from Greg Claney and recently received an AFL Victoria Recognition of Service award.

He said he had been particularly proud of the league’s increased focus on player welfare.

“I think it’s incredibly important and the league has taken it to another level,” Patterson said.

“Unfortunately it was largely brought about by the injury to James McQuillan.

“People talk about change and things that impact your life and everything was put into perspective for myself and the board when James was injured.

“We then focused quite heavily on introducing the Headsmart concussion program and the video review system as well as co-funding the clubs to increase their level of insurances and funding the sports chaplaincy program.”

Patterson’s journey in the Ovens and Murray started with Wodonga in 1995 when he spent six years on the match committee working alongside coaches Ernest Whitehead and Darren Denneman.

He then volunteered to help during the finals and with the league’s representative team before joining the board in 2000.

Patterson is a life member of the Ovens and Murray and the Ultima Football Netball Club in the Golden Rivers league.

“I’ve worked with some wonderful and professional people over the years and I consider myself very fortunate,” he said.

“Its been a great environment.

“When I first came here Bill Pilsbury was the chairman and he, Graeme Bulgin, Greg and myself go back 30 or 35 years.

“It’s been a position people have held for reasonable periods of time and I think that continuity helps the consistency and governance of the league.”

David SInclair is presently vice-chairman and shapes as the obvious person to replace Patterson.

The new league chairman will be elected in January.