It is with sadness we acknowledge the recent passing of Club Legend, Bruce “Gus” Gatford. Bruce gave a lifetime of contribution to the Mentone Football Club as a player, leader, and administrator.

Bruce started as a Mentone junior under coach Len James, playing in the triple premiership sides of 1950, 1951 and 1952. In 1953, he transferred to play for the Melbourne Football Club Thirds (Under 19s) who won the premiership that year. Upon returning to Mentone, he graduated to the seniors and became a core fixture of the team. Across more than 150 senior games, he earned a reputation as an ever-dependable, lockdown back pocket player who rarely let opposition resting rovers get near the ball. He was named among the best on ground during Mentone’s historic 1956 senior premiership defeating arch-rivals Mordialloc. His on-field leadership saw him serve as vice-captain of Mentone for several years, and he was selected to captain the Federal District League representative side in 1958.

Whilst still playing, Bruce assumed the role of Social Secretary and was largely responsible for the excellent off-field team morale that the club enjoyed. This in turn lead to further key administration roles as Treasurer (1962) and Secretary (1963 and 1964). From 1967 to 1971 Bruce was the President and the leader of Mentone F.C. in its most successful era with senior premierships in 1967 and 1968 and the Club being recognised as a powerhouse in the Federal League. What set Bruce apart from other Presidents was that during this time he also assumed match day roles as chairman of selectors of the seniors, team manager of the Reserves, and trainer and team manager for the Fourths.

Bruce’s outstanding service to the club is recognized by his being a three-time winner of the Best Club Person award in 1957, 1958, and 1960. His Life Membership was awarded in 1960. He was an inaugural Hall of Fame member and officially designated Club Legend of the St Bedes/Mentone Tigers Amateur Football Club. He was inducted as part of the club’s 100-year Centenary celebrations in 2004.

Outside of football Bruce was an excellent all round sportsman. Playing cricket with the Mentone Cricket Club he excelled as a batsman and played in five First XI premierships. Bruce was latter named in the Mentone Cricket Club’s Team of the Century. Upon retirement from work Bruce became an accomplished lawn bowler. He enjoyed the competiveness and comradeship of bowling, spending two decades at the Mentone Bowling Club before joining the Cheltenham Bowling Club in his latter years.

Bruce passed away on the 10th October on his 92nd Birthday. The Club extends its sincere condolences to his loving wife of 60 years, Joan, his daughters, Helen and Michelle, and to the extended Gatford family.

Thank you, Bruce, for your wonderful service and now rest peacefully with our other “Tigers of Old.”