Marlene takes centre-field

As VU School of Accounting and Finance Administrator, Marlene Alvares' weekdays are kept busy with paperwork and supporting staff in myriad ways.

On weekends she devotes her time to relaxing and cheering on her beloved Western Bulldogs in the AFL.

A spectator at most at-home games, Marlene was thrilled when she won a VU staff competition to act as official coin-tosser for the VU-sponsored match between the Bulldogs and Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium on 17 June.

Marlene said it was a great day and a thrill to be centre stadium, tossing the coin, while the crowd roared for the action to begin.

"It was so exciting to be part of it all. I feel like I helped the Bulldogs win the game, because we won the toss and then won the game by 38 points."

Professor Russell Craig, Head of the School of Accounting and Finance, said Marlene's "15 minutes of fame" was particularly well-deserved, as she was recently awarded a staff commendation in the Faculty of Business and Law's staff awards.

"All of us in the School were pleased to see Marlene enjoy this honour. She is a dedicated staff member and received her service commendation for consistent high level of service provided to both staff and students, particularly her contribution to improving the Student Experience Surveys and involvement in the SES Review Working Party."