A NARROW, but gallant loss failed to dampen Barmera-Monash Football Club’s centenary celebrations on Saturday.
A cavalcade of past players and club greats returned for the occasion, postponed one year due to the 2020 RFL season being suspended through Covid-19 restrictions.
Former Barmera player and SA footy legend Neil Kerley was the headline speaker at a special luncheon held to coincide with the A grade game against old rivals Berri.
The club’s special centenary wall was officially opened just minutes before the first bounce, when the club’s 2021 team took to the field resplendent in red and gold Pelicans guernseys of yesteryear.
“It was a very successful day,” said club president Mike Allder.
“We had good numbers there, really from the start with the juniors, right through to the evening.
“It was great to see some faces we haven’t seen for a little while back at the club. Hopefully it reconnects them with the club…
“After the disappointment of missing out last year, and even with the current restrictions, it was good we could recognise and celebrate the event.”
Other speakers at the luncheon included fellow Barmera product, author and ex-SANFL player Hallett Shueard, who had copies of his book, One Hundred Years of Football by the Lake: 1920-2020, John Henwood Sr, Joey Hermanson and Ryan Villis.
Kerley, who attended the luncheon with his wife Barbara, said he was “very pleased” to be invited back to Barmera and enjoyed sharing some memories with the 130-plus attendees.
He made special mention of the contribution of club legend Barry ‘Buff’ Tyrrell, who spearheaded the club’s golden era in the 1980s and was on hand for the weekend’s celebrations.
The guernseys worn in the A grade match went under the hammer a few hours later. Mr Allder said the auction “exceeded expectations” and that funds raised could go towards looming upgrades to the club’s changerooms and lighting.
“A lot of the guys really wanted their own numbers,” he said.
“The guernseys looked great and paid respect to the club’s history.”
Mr Allder paid tribute to the efforts of the club’s volunteers.
“Thanks to all the volunteers, the centenary committee, and also to all the other families and volunteers who made the day a success,” he said.
“To put on something like that, for the whole day and evening, takes a lot of hands. So well done to Kym Manning, Martin Hill, Joe Hermanson and their committee.”
Barker MP Tony Pasin, Berri Barmera Mayor Peter Hunt and deputy mayor Ella Winnall were among invited guests on hand for the luncheon.