Local Legends: Colin O’Neill, the lifeblood of local footy

77-year-old Colin O’Neill has been the lifeblood of the South Mornington Football Club for nearly 25 years. Colin joined the South Mornington Junior Football Club (SMJFC) way back in 2000, when his son played U10s, and he’s shown no signs of slowing down ever since! Beginning as a parent volunteer, Colin has held the roles of Coach, Head Trainer, Committee Member, Major Sponsor, Vice President and President, earning himself a well-deserved Life Membership at the SMJFC.

Colin has been instrumental in advocating for the SMJFC in every possible aspect, including helping the club host the Mornington Peninsula Junior Football League (MPJFL) final series at the SMJFC home ground for the first time, as well as facilitating a much needed upgrade to the clubrooms.

Colin’s dedication to the South Mornington football community is so strong that he and his family donated their time and money to create and print South Mornington’s first ever footy record booklet. He eventually used his charm to find a local business that would print the footy record free of charge for a number of years.

The Vietnam Veteran has been a regular speaker at MPJFL ANZAC Day matches and functions, alongside being an AFL South East Tribunal Member, Board Member and Chairman in recent years, earning him an MPJFL Life Membership.

In 2005 he joined the South Mornington Football Netball Club (SMFNC) Seniors team as a Trainer, fought for the Club to join a new league when it was at risk of folding and more recently has volunteered his time as Club President and a Committee Member for 3 years until 2022.

Colin is known to go above and beyond in his Trainer role each week, leading him to save a man’s life when the father of the opposition coach collapsed from a heart attack. Colin immediately called for the game to stop, gave CPR to the man and successfully resuscitated him before the paramedics arrived.

His contributions to the SMFNC earned Colin a third Life Membership, and he remains Trainer of the Seniors team to this day.

Stephen Burt, recently retired MPJFL Board Member, commends Colin for his commitment to local football.

“He is an asset that we are very grateful to have, and there is no doubt he has impacted our league in a positive way. We thank him for his ongoing dedication and support to the MPJFL and clubs.”

Former President of SMJFC and founding member of South Mornington Seniors FC, Peter Dean, said that Colin has been an integral part of the South Mornington football community since his involvement began in 2000.

“From day one, Colin was always ready to help out...from coaching for many years to becoming a trainer…not only in the juniors as a parent, but he stepped up in the Seniors as well.”

Colin’s contribution to the local football community is invaluable, and he continues to fight for the best possible outcomes for the community because of his love for the game. His genuine love for football and seeing all types of people, young and old enjoy the sport is what makes him a true local legend for South Mornington and the broader Victorian football community.

AFL Victoria’s Local Legends initiative aims to recognise the local heroes who are the lifeblood of their local clubs and communities.

Whether it be a coach, player, umpire, local business owner, administrator or volunteer, AFL Victoria wants to celebrate the people who are the backbone of community football clubs. Community football clubs simply could not survive without those who are willing to show up each weekend and make sure that the game goes ahead, crowds are well fed, players are supported and success is enjoyed.

Nominees for the AFL Victoria Local Legends initiative can be anyone who is involved in a community football club in any capacity, whether it be paid or unpaid, directly related to the game or a behind-the-scenes super star, these legends are who make community football what it is.

Do you know someone with a great story like Colin's? Nominate them now.