Essendon Football Club is delighted to announce Ken Lay has been appointed Number One Ticket Holder for the next two years.

Lay, who recently stood down as Victoria Police Chief Commissioner after three years in the top job and 41 years as a member of the force, said he was very honoured by the appointment.  

“It’s a great privilege to be appointed the Number One Ticket Holder of the Essendon Football Club,” Lay said.

“I have been an Essendon supporter my whole life and am thrilled to be asked by Chairman Paul Little and the Board to fulfil this role.

“I look forward to making a positive contribution to the Club in any way I can in the future.” 

Essendon Chairman Paul Little said the Club was extremely pleased to have Ken involved in an official capacity.

“Ken Lay is a widely respected person in the community and will add significant value to our Club,” Little said.

“In his time as Victoria Police Chief Commissioner, Ken demonstrated great leadership and fortitude tackling many significant issues in society, in particular family violence.

“We look forward to Ken representing the Club as our Number One Ticket Holder across a range of different areas, including being part of our newly established advisory group to the Essendon Football Club Audit, Risk and Integrity Committee.” 

Lay replaces lifelong Essendon supporter Ron Kirwan, who has been in the position for the last two years.

“Ron has been a Essendonian coterie member since 1976 and followed the Club for more than 60 years,” Little said.

“On behalf of the Board and everyone associated with the Essendon Football Club, I would like to thank Ron for his valuable contribution.

“Ron is a loyal passionate Essendon person who has shown great support for the Club over his lifetime following the red and black.”