AFL mourns Jill Lindsay

The AFL is mourning the death of Ground Operations Manager Jill Lindsay, who lost her battle with cancer Monday morning, aged 61.

Ms Lindsay was the AFL's longest serving employee and the only woman to be acknowledged with life membership of the VFL/AFL. She had been the AFL's Ground Operations Manager since 1991 and remained active in her role up until the Christmas break just over a month ago and continued to work throughout 2010 while undergoing treatment.

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou paid tribute to her on Monday morning.

"Jill was a trailblazer across more than 40 years working for the VFL and AFL, and a hero to generations of staff and football people who worked with her and admired her," Demetriou said.

"She was a source of valuable advice and wisdom to me, both as football operations manager and chief executive, and I will miss terribly her friendship, wise counsel and laughter. Many senior staff, both within the AFL and across our clubs, are today heartbroken by the loss of Jill."

Ms Lindsay began at the VFL in 1970 as an office clerk and her various roles in the last four decades included VFL Park match day supervisor, VFL Park super box co-ordinator, VFL permit and clearance secretary, VFL Park membership manager and VFL Park finals series co-ordinator.

She took over as VFL membership manager from 1986 and then began the role of AFL ground operations manager from 1991, which she filled until her passing.

Last October's replay grand final between Collingwood and St Kilda represented her 43rd Grand Final in an official capacity at firstly the VFL and then AFL, including the two grand finals in 1977.

Apart from her working career with the AFL, Jill also gave a lifetime of service to softball as a player, coach and administrator.

Ms Lindsay is survived by her mother Marjorie, sister Robyn Torpy and brothers Graham and Ross.