Luke Wintle……….
Luke has played 174 senior games with the club and will automatically qualify for life membership shortly when he reaches his 200 games. I believe it is important that we acknowledge and induct Luke as a life member prior to him reaching this milestone as his contribution to the club after 12 seasonโ€™s warrants recognition for outstanding service both on and off the field.
Juice joined the club in 1997 as an U19 player and immediately made an impact on the playing field with his playing ability, leadership and a premiership. After completing his U19 years Luke stepped into the senior side in 1999 and subsequently was awarded the Best First Year Player award. Since than he has been awarded the Doug Paterson Memorial Award, the Michael Hecker and William Groves Memorial Trophies on two occasions. He has also represented the VAFA at state level. . Most importantly he has just completed his eight season as club captain, and as we all know, led the side to three consecutive premierships culminating in this seasons A Section Flag. He was also recognized as the best player a field by the umpires in the A and B Section Grand Finals.
Lukeโ€™s positive impact on the clubโ€™s image and culture as club captain must be also recognized. He has been a positive role model for his team mates and other playing age groups within the club and has helped set the tone for the type of club that we work so hard to be. Importantly Luke has played a major role in cementing St Bedes / Mentone Tigers image as a club that is a good place to play and be at………………………………………………
Bernie Beasley………Bernie started following the club in 1985 when his son Tim commenced his career with St Bedes OC. Immediately he put his hand up to assist where he could and soon joined the committee. By 1990 the club awarded Bernie the George Alexander Best club Person Award which recognized his outstanding contribution not only in that season, but in the seasons prior. It should be noted that we owe a great debt to him. It was the small things that he focused on that made major impacts on the way the club operated. One of those was his ensuring that when we played away that our visitor rooms were left as we found them. This seemed a small thing at the time, but as season past we found that other clubs officials were impacted and respected our club for this gesture. This is something that is maintained to this day and has caused others to focus on how we can continually improve our club.
Through many seasons Bernie has been on committee and of course a keen supporter and helper to his sons and their team mates. Wherever a hand is needed, at the club, Bernie will be there and still is today. No task is too small or too big. Ask Bernie and the answer is always no problem, when do you want it.
It should be noted that for many years he was on the Executive of the Chelsea & Districts Junior Football League where he was also similarly recognized for his contribution to local football.
After 23 years as a committee person, supporter and worker around the club this recognition is long overdue.