1972 Parade College Captain, 1976 Copeland Trophy Winner, Parade College’s Best Australian Rules Football Team member and former Calder Cannons coach - among many other storied achievements - Robert Hyde, describes Len Villlani as “a great person with terrific people skills, cool under the pump, thorough and precise in whatever he was asked to do”.

After graduating with his VCE, Len Villani (2002) has carved out a very impressive career in the Australian Rules Football Industry.

Len is currently Head of Football Operations & Special Projects at the Carlton Football Club.

His role oversees the strategic, operational and compliance functions of the football department, working closely with the Club’s Executive Leadership Team and Board of Directors. His responsibilities span across the football department from high-performance operations, governance and compliance to budgets and soft cap and contract management, people leadership, to infrastructure and facility projects.

Glenn Luff, Recruiting Operations Coordinator - at the Carlton Football Club, happily offered up, “Len is someone whose work ethic is second to none. No matter what challenge is in front of him, he approaches it with professionalism, commitment and a genuine desire to make those around him better”.

“In his role, Len is often the glue that holds the football department together. He has a unique ability to bring people together, foster strong relationships and create an environment where everyone feels supported and valued. Whether you're a player, coach, staff member or volunteer, Len makes time for people and is always willing to help”.

“One of Len's greatest strengths is his willingness to guide others. If you're ever unsure of where to turn, or who to speak to, Len will point you in the right direction and do so with patience and respect. He is a trusted leader. People gravitate to him because they know he genuinely cares and always has the best interests of others at heart”.

“What stands out most about Len is his deep care for the football club, its players and its people, without seeking recognition. We are fortunate to have someone of Len's character, integrity and commitment at the Blues”.

Len’s career in the industry spans more than 20 years and has included work across community football, talent pathways, and elite programs. This has included:

• Football Operations Manager (Calder Cannons).
• AFL Game Development Manager (Northwest Region).
• AFL Talent Manager (Eastern Ranges).
• General Manager (Northern Blues VFL).

Villani’s academic achievements include:

• Masters of International Sport Management, University of East London.
• Bachelor of Business (Honours in Sport Governance and Sport Management), La Trobe University.
• Strategy Execution Specialization Course, Harvard Business School.

Len has also coached the code - at state and national pathway levels, across both men’s and women’s programs, and has remained actively involved in community football. He feels very fortunate to have worked with dozens of AFL players including Dion Prestia, Tom Liberatore, Adam Cerra, Brandon Ellis and Josh Begley.

“Begley (17 AFL games for Essendon) stands out as a favourite. He came from relative obscurity at Ferntree Gully, completely transformed his body and went on to play AFL football. He might not be a household-name success story, but it’s exactly those kinds of journeys that gave me such great satisfaction”, he explained.

Villani played at Old Paradians Amateur Football Club between 2004 and 2015, turning out in several finals matches and winning the Reserves Best and Fairest, in 2011. Of former President, Mike Jolley, who served between 2010 and 2021, Len offered, “Mike was instrumental in saving the club when it was on its knees. With a handful of others, he kept the flame alight. Mike’s selfless and tireless work laid the foundations that are enjoyed by the club, in the current chapter of its evolution.”

College staff member, Phil Gaut, coached the Old Paradians, from 2009 to 2011, during Len’s playing time, including taking them to the 2010 Grand Final, against Banyule.

Len reflected on his schooling and staff: “Parade played an important role in shaping my values around leadership, helped me garner a sense of service and community, and forge many lifelong friendships. I am very grateful for the grounding it provided me with prior to moving into a career in professional sport. Parade prepared me for life in general. Marisa Cora (Year 7 Homeroom and Italian) and John Nicholls (VCE Legal Studies) both shaped me significantly. They helped instill the values of leadership, self-belief and service that have stayed with me throughout my life. Both, amazing people!”

Friendships remain, including with Daniel Spitty, College Captain (2002), and former Captain of the Old Paradians Amateur Football Club, who shares: “I first met Lenny in Year 7 at Parade. I wanted to be a mate of his, immediately. He has more resilience than almost anyone I know, and he’d never tell you that himself. For the entirety of our Year 12 year, Len was on crutches. Unbelievable!”

“Lenny’s family took me in during my first year at Uni. My parents were renovating and I needed somewhere to live. The Villanis opened their doors. There’s nothing quite like having a good Italian family in your corner”.

“He’s always been genuine, authentic and real. Those are the mates you keep. The ones you can call on, at the key moments in your life, trusting them to tell you how it actually is, even when you don’t want to hear it. Lenny’s always been that person for me”.

“I’ve watched his trajectory. He works hard, he’s diligent, he’s loyal, and his character is exactly what you want around a footy club. I’ve always pushed him to back himself more, to be more ambitious, because I genuinely think his ceiling is huge”.

“Like any long friendship, we’ve had our doubts and challenges. We’ve challenged each other and tested each other. But that’s the stuff that holds”.

“I’m very lucky to have him as a friend. One of the reasons is because of the way he makes you feel about yourself”.

Recently, I got a text message from him that said:

“Morning mate, thanks again for the call last night. Sounds like you’ve also got your confidence and mojo back which is great to hear”.

“That’s Lenny, that’s who he is”.

James Kandilakis (2005), 190 games for the Old Paradians Amateur Football Club, Under 19 Premiership player in 2005, VAFA Victorian Representative at Under 19 Level in 2008 and at Senior Level in 2012 and 2013, Senior Premiership Player in 2015 and Grand Final player in 2018, 39 VFL games for Coburg, shares: “I’ve had a front row seat to his career, since our days at Parade, when Len started dating my sister, Natalie, who he married. In today’s world, Lenny is a rarity, as he has done the hard yards. You won’t meet a more genuine and hard-working family man, than Lenny”.

Len attended Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School, Eltham, and credits his parents, Mary and Tony, Natalie, and their son, Tom, with everything.

Written by Tim Livy with thanks to all contributors.