Sport
18 August, 2022
Lexton legends celebrated
IT was cause for celebration at the Lexton Football Netball Club last Saturday, with a big crowd gathering to celebrate several personal and club achievements.
IT was cause for celebration at the Lexton Football Netball Club last Saturday, with a big crowd gathering to celebrate several personal and club achievements.
On a day where Lexton’s senior football team all but secured its place and the netball team consolidated their places in their respective finals series, the club and its community celebrated its greats.
PREMIERSHIP TEAMS REUNITED:
With COVID restrictions delaying reunions over the last two years, the club celebrated players from 16 Lexton premiership teams.
The football teams included Seniors: 1971, 1972 and 1992, Reserves: 1970, 1971, 1972, 2001 and 2012 and the Under 15’s- 1970.
The netball department reflected on a host of premierships including, A-Grade: 2002, 2010 and 2012 and the B-Grade: 2000, 2002, 2011 and 2012 premierships.
MILESTONE 450 GAMES
Last Saturday was also one for on-field celebration, as stalwart Renee (Viney) Lyons ran onto the netball court for the 450th time in Lexton colours.
A passionate netballer and club life-members, her journey began in 1993 where, after several best-and-fairest honours, graduated into the senior side where success has followed.
With eight premierships (one A-Grade and seven B-Grade) from nine Grand Final appearances, Lyons has become one of the region’s most respected players; turning the Wing-Attack position into her own.
Not even giving birth to twins earlier this year could stop her from playing for her beloved club.
She continues to be a great support to her coaches and team mates and has made a significant contribution to the club, where she continues to mentor the next generation.
100 GAME PLAYERS
Netballer Leesa Donhardt was another Lexton player who celebrated a milestone last weekend – bringing up her 100th game.
A two-time A-Grade premiership player with the Tigers, she has returned to the club this season in style, after moving to Western Australia and giving birth.
Across the football field, Victor Debast and Toby Wheeler also celebrated their 100 game milestones.
Both players have turned into solid defenders for the seniors and are among the team’s emerging leaders.
GREG FISHER – LIFE MEMBERSHIP
Before the club packed up for the night, there was one more highlight to share.
With his involvement in the club dating back to the early 1960s, Lexton legend Greg Fisher became an immortal as he was inducted as the club’s 53rd life member.
The following is an extract from secretary Karl Lewis’ speech inducting Fisher.
“Referred to by his team mates as, not the most talented footballer but a determined, consistent player who would not lose possession without a fierce contest to win the ball.
He was a valid member of three senior premierships and two runners up, copping everything on the chin and putting his teammates, team and club first at every opportunity.
Concentrating on corporate life which led Greg out of the Pyrenees location and across the globe living and working first in Sydney and then London, Greg was always leading the way in the organisation of reunions (regardless of his location and ability to attend) as well as guiding day to day running of the club. He would always ensure that the club was looked after in sponsorship and was able to attract high profile people for league and club functions across the years.
Greg has been instrumental in leading the club and community working with the Pyrenees Shire, State and Federal Governments from 2018 to current times on the community hub complex project. At the 2021-2022 LFNC AGM meeting it was tabled that, in some way, we as a club would acknowledge the part that Greg has played in this project. He took over the whole responsibility of co-ordinating the Lexton Community Hub project, allowing the sporting clubs to continue running effectively over the past four years. In particular, the Lexton FNC and community feel indebted to Greg for his dedication and persistence in seeing this project through.
During the season the LFNC Committee of Management unanimously agreed that Greg should be awarded Life Membership (the club’s highest accolade and recognition) for his commitment to the club as a player, member, volunteer, supporter and leader specifically in the community hub complex project.
1963 - Mascot
Junior Football (U15) Premiership Player (1969 / 1970) and two-time Runners-Up.
Senior Football – Premiership Player (1974 / 1976 / 1978) and Runners-Up on two occasions.