Life Member – Tom Lonergan
Submitted by Ray Foy:
A few words on some Life Members that I can remember! All Life members were stalwarts of the club, assisting pre games with the setting up the tent ( to sell grog when we had no clubhouse ). When I joined the club in 1973, the club was an amateur club playing in a partly Professional competition. the club had a great social life, however emphasis was on playing hard, training hard ( if possible ) and drinking / socialising hard ! All members put in 100% for the club on the field, most achieving Best & Fairest award some year(s) and Loved their Footy!!
Tom was Captain Coach of the A grade when I commenced. A great team player and an excellent coach. He lead by example.
He was a non drinker, but still socialised with the all players and made the famous Bus trips to Armidale Uni for the annual matches, as did Dace, Keith, etc.
Tommy lead the club, A Grade, to Grand Finals in 1973 and 1974 I think from memory. We lost the first GF to Mt Gravatt by 5 points at Mt Gravatt. The 2nd GF we lost to Sherwood by 6 goals at the Gabba.
A great contributor to the club on and off the field. He and wife Shirley were attended almost all functions.