TOEY KING OF THE HARD WORKERS
MEET the heartbeat of the Robina Roos who doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty on and off the field.
Popular club president Heath King will tomorrow play his 250th match for his beloved Roos in their opening round QFA Division 2 fixture against Coolangatta at Scottsdale Reserve.
It’s been a labour of love for the 37-year-old across the past 16 years – and the milestone is just another day at the office for “Toey”.
King, who works as a workshop supervisor and mechanic at concrete business Hymix at Southport, estimates he spends 35 hours each week helping at the footy club.
Those tasks include making sure players have jerseys, the fridges are stocked, the umpires are on time, the paperwork is complete and the facilities are clean ... all the while fielding a barrage of messages, phone calls and queries.
“My 250th game for me is just another game,” the father-of-four said.
“Seeing where the club has come from to where we are heading is where my pride lies.
“I chose Robina because it was a club built for mateship and that’s why I put my hand up to be president – I wanted the club to stay open so other young people could experience what I have.
“Hopefully the club helps them create a positive life for themselves in the way Robina has for me.”
The 194cm ruck joined the Roos in 2002 and has won premierships in 2005 and 2010 and twice been best and fairest winner.
He assumed the presidency from Michael Wilson in 2015.
“His loyalty is unquestioned, his honesty and integrity is admirable, and his work ethic is unbelievable at times,” Wilson said.