Tribute to a stalwart

WERRIBEE Centrals will today pay their respects to one of their leaders in after his recent passing.

O’Malley was a constant of Werribee — there at the very beginning in 1969 and was looking forward to the club’s upcoming 50th anniversary.

Today’s GDFL record will pay tribute to a man “passionate always about the club’s direction”.

History will remember O’Malley as the main instigator of the change in jumper colours, notably the design of the green and gold from the old Richmond colours, ensuring the club had its own identity.

He was a promoter of the move from the old WRFL to the GDFL in 1984 and most recently worked extremely hard to promote youth to prepare the club for the player points system that is now in place.

O’Malley was a longserving committee member — secretary in 1986, 1988 and then again in later years until this day. He was awarded life membership in 1984 “for his tireless work, which also included team manager, property steward, timekeeper, trainer and many other jobs we all need done”.

“But it was the steadying influence and those words of wisdom, both within and outside the committee room that we will remember him for the most, or perhaps it may also be that cheeky grin or comment that was always not far away if Mick was around,” a tribute in today’s footy record reads.

“He loved his fishing and his weekly quaddie with the boys, and he had many friends also at the bowling club and the racecourse, who will also be missing him as we are.

“The O’Malleys have always been part of Centrals, with Mick’s brothers, sons and now grandsons playing in the green and gold.’’