Born 21 December 1946 and educated at Geelong College, Gareth Andrews joined the Geelong Football Club in 1965. In his debut season, he made an immediate impact, kicking 35 goals to win Geelong’s goal-kicking award and playing as a key forward and ruck. Andrews went on to play 136 games and kick 127 goals for Geelong over 1965-74, including featuring in the Cats’ narrow 1967 Grand Final loss to Richmond. His versatile marking and “awkward” kicking style made him a notable figure; after Wade’s return, Andrews shifted to centre half-back by the early 1970s to remain a key player in Geelong’s finals campaigns.
Trade to Richmond and the 1974 premiership
Midway through 1974, Andrews was part of a high-profile player swap. Richmond recruited him in exchange for Rex Hunttigerlandarchive.org. The move paid off immediately. Andrews slotted into the Tigers’ defence and became a member of Richmond’s 1974 VFL premiership side (Richmond’s eighth VFL flag).
He played in Richmond’s back pocket in that Grand Final win, finally securing a premiership medal after years as a contender. (Notably, Andrews had even lined up against the same opponent in successive games: he faced North Melbourne’s Arnold Briedis at centre half-back for Geelong one round, then again for Richmond the very next week). In total, Andrews added 31 games (1 goal) to his career tally at Richmond in 1974-75.
Founding the Players’ Association
While still an active player, Andrews helped establish what became the AFL Players’ Association. In December 1973, he and Essendon’s Geoff Pryor convened a meeting at the University of Melbourne to discuss forming a players’ union. This gathering resolved to hold a formal meeting in early 1974, and on 25 February 1974, the VFL Players’ Association was officially constituted. Andrews served as a leader of the fledgling body (later the AFLPA), eventually becoming its president in 1975. The VFLPA’s founding was later credited with laying the groundwork for modern player representation and welfare in the league.
After retiring from playing, Andrews transitioned into football administration and media. He served as Richmond’s Football Manager and then CEO (General Manager) in 1978-79. He subsequently spent the 1980s working in football broadcasting: joining ABC Radio and Television as a commentator and analyst (including hosting the national TV program The Winners in 1986). In the 1990s, he became “The Analyst” for The Sunday Age, writing a popular football column from 1989.
In late 1998, Andrews returned to his old club, Geelong. He was elected to the Geelong Football Club board under president Frank Costa and served as vice-president for about 15 years. This tenure coincided with one of the Cats’ most successful eras. Geelong won three AFL premierships (2007, 2009, 2011) during his vice-presidency. (As The Geelong College alumni page notes, Andrews watched the Cats become a “dominant force” with three flags while he was vice-president.) He is a Life Member of the AFL, the AFLPA, the Geelong Cats and the Richmond Tigers.
Life Again and men’s mental health
In 2012, Andrews founded Life Again, a social enterprise focused on men’s mental health and wellbeing. Inspired by his own struggle with depression (diagnosed at age 55) and believing men needed better support, he began speaking publicly about his experience and created Life Again as a way to encourage connections and positive wellbeing for men. Initially a support network for men facing mid-life challenges, Life Again has since grown into a leading provider of mental-health programs for men (and increasingly for workplaces and communities).
As The Geelong College notes, Life Again “empowers men to face the challenges of mid-life” and helps “navigate major life transitions”. (Today Life Again delivers prevention-focused positive psychology programs to both men and women, and Andrews remains closely involved as founder and Chair of the Board.)
Honours and Port Melbourne connection
In the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours, Gareth Andrews was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), cited for “significant service to the Australian Football League as a player and administrator, to men’s health, and to the community”. The official honours media notes list him as “Gareth Eliot Andrews, Port Melbourne, VIC 3207,” highlighting his local ties. (He and his family have long lived in Melbourne’s inner suburbs.)
In 2013, Andrews also received the R.J. Hickey Award from Geelong for outstanding service to the game. He holds multiple life memberships and remains an active community figure (for example, as former chairman of Lord’s Taverners Victoria and a board member of charitable groups like CASSE and Project Rozana).
Legacy
Gareth Andrews’ influence spans many facets of Australian football and community life. On the field, he was a premiership player and club champion; off the field, he was a pioneer of player rights and a respected leader and media figure. His later work in founding Life Again has made him a prominent advocate for men’s health. Today, Andrews is remembered as a leader and mentor, someone whose career “spans far beyond the football field” and whose story of resilience and service continues to inspire.
Career highlights: Played 167 VFL games (Geelong 1965-74, Richmond 1974-75) and was a member of Richmond’s 1974 premiership team.
Players’ Association: Co-founded the VFL Players’ Association in 1973-74 and later served as its president.
Club administration: Richmond Football Manager/CEO, Geelong vice-president during three AFL premierships.
Media career: Football commentator with the ABC (1980s) and columnist for The Sunday Age (1990s).
Men’s health: Founded Life Again (2012) to support men’s mental well-being.
Honours: Member of the Order of Australia (2024) for service to the AFL and community; life member of AFL, AFLPA, and both Geelong and Richmond football clubs.
Each of these achievements is documented in official sources. For example, Andrews’ honour citation explicitly notes his AFL premiership, leadership roles, founding of Life Again, and community service. His career, from kicking clutch goals as a 19-year-old at Geelong to championing mental health today, exemplifies leadership, resilience and service in Victorian football and beyond.
