Tiger ‘Macca’ a life member at Mirboo North

THOSE at Mirboo North Football Netball Club were delighted to present Brian McCormack with life membership at the Tigers’ recent presentation night, recognising his extensive contribution as a player, coach and administrator.

The livestock agent and auctioneer played for Mirboo North for about 10 years, generally either at fullback or in the centre, before coaching the Reserves for five seasons, culminating in the 2004 Premiership.

While such achievements are always memorable, the condition of the ground on Grand Final Day made it all the more so.

The game against Trafalgar was played at Yinnar, substantial rainfall hitting on match eve after days of glorious Spring weather and turning the ground into a bog heap.

That resulted in a final score of 2.5-17 to 2.3-15 and while Brian said it was probably one of the worst games of finals footy in which he’s been involved, it’s no doubt a happy memory.

“We kicked 1.5 in the first quarter, I think, and our other goal was with four and a half minutes to go in the last quarter,” Brian said.

A couple of weeks prior to the decider, in good conditions, Mirboo North had flogged Trafalgar by 10 goals.

After being less involved at the club for a period, Brian returned as an assistant coach for the Reserves.

He’s been team manager for the Seniors since 2017, making sure everything runs efficiently on match day, down to ensuring players have the right numbers on their jumpers.

“If you’re not noticed, it’s running smoothly,” he said, explaining little challenges pop up all the time, the key being to deal with them and make it appear everything comes together by itself.

As team manager, Brian works closely with the Senior coach throughout the week preparing for games.

After match days there is follow-up, such as ensuring injured players are okay.

There’s a sense of pride in being named a life member.

“It’s recognition for the years of work and things you’ve done for the club; it’s something you never really look to get, but then when you get it there’s a fair bit of pride in it,” Brian said, with it meaning a lot to have colleagues acknowledge they respect what he does.

“It was a thoroughly enjoyable presentation night, but the clear highlight was announcing Brian ‘Macca’ McCormack as our newest Life Member,” the club stated in a Facebook post.

“Macca has done so much for our club, a lot of which is unnoticed,” the Tigers declared, describing him as “the most professional and organised person you would ever hope to meet” and noting that despite his full schedule, he’s always happy to lend a hand.

But it’s not just about his accomplishments, Macca acknowledged as “the kind of person that you build a club culture around”.