It was September 1988. I was sitting on the stage in the Blue Room under the Grand Stand of the Ballarat City Oval.
I sat next to Peter Tunbridge, captain of the Ballarat Football Club. Ballarat had just won the U17, reserve and senior premierships.
Peter and I had played.
We had taken a moment to collect our thoughts and were watching a club celebrate.
I turned and said to him, “This must be the best day in your football career”.
I knew it wasn’t a certainty. His football career was full of highlights, captain of the dominant Ballarat Winfield Cup Side, Victorian representation with the VAFA, captain of the Country vs City Team, numerous B&Fs.
His answer floored me.
He said, “You know JD, my best times in footy were playing with my mates at La Trobe Uni."
I couldn’t believe it.
Ten years later, as club president, I handed him life membership to the 'Trobers.
I never forgot those words, but what they meant changed for me markedly the more I became involved with the wonderful group of people that make up the players past and present of our unique footy club, the Trobers.
(President of LTUFC for 12 years and still donning the boots after 19 years on the paddock.)
I love this story. I was a slightly older and much less competent contemporary of Tunna, which must have been when the Blacks and Reds merged. Whichever side of the fence you were, Tunna was a marvel to watch. Quick, a great reader of the ball and good disposal. And a great bloke.
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