Jarryd Meredith didn't enter the Macquarie Raiders' annual general meeting with a plan to take over as president, but he couldn't have been more proud to walk out with the job.
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Meredith has taken over the role from Ross McDermott, and the appointment continues a strong family connection with the club.
The Meredith and Perry names are synonymous with the Raiders.
A number of extended family members have worn the Macquarie blue over the years while Jarryd's father, Mark, was also previous president in more recent times.
"My grandfather, Barry (Perry), is a life member. Everyone is aware of my brother, Perry, and he was well known in the club and one of the greats," Jarryd said.
"My father has been president and I've had uncles who play so it was a big part of it. To be president with that family history is quite humbling and something I'm extremely proud of."
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Meredith has been a committee member at Macquarie for the past two years and intended to continue when he went to last Sunday's AGM.
But after McDermott opted to step down from the top job, long-serving committee man Gavin Board put forward Meredith's name.
"I was a bit taken aback by it at first," Meredith said.
"I was honoured he nominated me and I had a think about it. I knew I had the backing of the committee so I accepted the role."
At 32 Meredith is one of the younger club presidents in bush footy, but with people like McDermott, Board, Sue Egan, and his father always on hand for advice, he feels well-placed to take on the job.
"Part of me taking on the role was that they made the promise to me that I'd have their full support and help in taking on the role," Meredith said.
"That was a big factor, knowing they're still in the club and willing give me a helping hand."
We've been building our club for the last couple of years, on and off the field.
- Jarryd Meredith
One of the key factors in Board's decision to nominate Meredith was the desire to see something of a changing of the guard at Macquarie.
While the experienced administrators are still heavily involved, the club now has Tim Allan, Hale Gordon, and Zac Rennick - all of who featured in reserve grade last season - as vice presidents alongside Board while Matt Lane is treasurer.
Egan is now secretary while Mel Singh remains as administrator.
The change off the field follows of plenty of change on it in the past two years, and Meredith's goal is to build on the foundation set this season.
While the 2021 title race was ultimately abandoned due to COVID, the Raiders were a vastly improved outfit in the top grade and under the leadership of Alex Ronayne and the performances of a host of new players.
"It's exciting," Meredith said.
"We've been building our club for the last couple of years, on and off the field, and 'Aka' (Ronayne) has brought a lot on the field and all grades were very competitive this year.
"Off the field there's a good group of committee players made up of old players who are passionate about the club and things are looking good."
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