Please see end of notice for funeral details.
All at St Bedes/Mentone Tigers are deeply saddened by the passing of club icon, Vern Boag.
In 1985 Vern came to support his son Andrew as he made his senior debut for the Old Collegians. He stayed to support our Club’s endeavours across four decades and became one of the Club’s most passionate members in its history.
Vern always encouraged people to strive to do their best. He was a hard, yet fair marker when it comes to the game, and genuinely wanted players to reach their potential. A pat on the back from Vern was something that players looked for and appreciated. He was a student of the game whose opinion was sort and respected.
Vern was appointed senior coach of St Bedes O.C. in 1989. He was an inspirational coach and his players played for him. His passion attracted players to come to the Club and success followed immediately with the senior side finishing as runners up in 89.
In the two following years the side finished third and fifth establishing a player group and culture that would hold us in good stead. With the formation of the St Bedes/Mentone Tigers in 1993, Vern continued to be a mentor for players, coaches and presidents. Great players such as Tim Beasley, Peter Lannan and Matthew McCraw owe much of their development to the encouragement and guidance that Vern gave. This continued through the years with many of our latter day players receiving similar encouragement and support. In four decades Vern Boag has hardly missed a Tigers game. He has brought something special to our Club – that intangible ingredient to our environment that has allowed us to achieve the success in VAFA football that we have had.
Our playing groups respect for Vern was clearly evident when they extend him the privilege of leading and participating in the final training sessions before the Grand Final appearances of 06, 07, 08 and 11. Vern was a worthy recipient of Life Membership and Hall of Fame recognition.
Our deepest sympathies go out to Vern’s immediately family and all those touched by his presence.
Funeral Service is on Friday 22 May commencing at 11.00am at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, Centre Dandenong Road Cheltenham followed by a remembrance at The Mentone Reserve Soppert Pavilion Remo Street from around 12.30pm