VALE: JOHN POWER
It is with a great sense of loss that the Banyule Football Club advises of the passing of John Power on 15 November 2024, aged 95.
John was a pioneer of both the junior and senior football clubs. The history books from the clubs tell us that his first official role was that of goal umpire of the under 10’s in 1970. With a sign of things to come, he was the first aid officer / trainer of the under 14’s (no mention of a red towel at that stage) and team manager. In 1972, John was appointedSecretary of the BJFC, a position he carried out with distinction for the next 9 years.
John had a strong sense of community. Over many years, he helped raise funds for the Austin Hospital through the auspices of the junior club, such that in 1975, he was made a Life Governor of the hospital in recognition of his tireless fundraising efforts.
As his time with the junior club was coming to an end, John along with a number of fellow Banyule luminaries such as Ken Hobba, Don Gillies, Ern Docherty and Billy Attard, to name but a few, set about to establish a club that would enable boys moving on from junior football, an opportunity to play open age football.
Those efforts resulted in the formation of the then Banyule Amateur Football Club. In 1979, and despite some opposition, John entered an under 19’s team for Banyule in the VAFA, and personally paid the affiliation fee to ensure that, in 1980, the VAFA would grant affiliation to a senior team from Banyule.
Over the many years that followed, John held a number of positions with the senior club, including that of Vice President for several years, and as the club’s delegate to the VAFA for 20 consecutive years. However, it was in his role as trainer for the senior team that endeared him most to the many playerswho would have crossed his path, and experienced the “magic” of his red towel.
In 1985, the VAFA bestowed upon John the prestigious Certificate of Merit, to acknowledge his significant contribution to amateur football, youth and community.
Overall, Johns active involvement with both clubs spanned a period of some 30 years.
The club offers its sincere condolences to Johns family for their sad loss.
We all will miss his kindness, strong sense of community, his generous giving of his own time, and his warm engaging smile.
Rest in Peace John
