Goodwood Saints pays tribute to local footy legend Colin ‘Tiny’ Nelson after tragic passing

A local football icon, who was involved with his club for a colossal 75 years, has been remembered for his “massive” influence and infectious personality after his passing.

A legendary local football figure is being remembered for his everlasting impact and commitment to the game.

Colin ‘Tiny’ Nelson – who was an integral part of the Goodwood and Goodwood Saints football clubs for 75 years – passed away on Tuesday due to complications from a brain bleed at the age of 87.

Nelson, who was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2009 for his service to AFL football and his club, began his footy career at the Goodwood Football Club in 1947 aged 12, but badly broke his leg and gave up playing.

Nelson also played a significant part in Goodwood’s amalgamation with St Raphaels to become the Goodwood Saints, and together with Hans Ellenbrook had a major impact on the club’s success on and off the field.

Goodwood Saints legend Colin ‘Tiny’ Nelson is being remembered as an influential and infectious personality after his sad passing.

A member of the Saints’ Hall of Fame, he had taken on the roles of president, secretary, treasurer, football director, bar manager, trainer, time keeper, team manager, goal umpire and boundary umpire during his life membership tenure at the club.

“Tiny was massively influential to me and to where the club is now,” Saints president Craig Scott said.

“Our A Grade best and fairest medal is named after him and fellow club legend Hans Ellenbroek, everyone has a story about Tiny and is aware of his great legacy.

“He was the first bloke I met when I got to the club at the age of 14, and he’s always inspired me and been there for me – I get really emotional about it.”

Nicknamed ‘Tiny’ ironically for his physical stature, Nelson’s presence at the club had remained as important as his influence.

Barry ‘Nugget’ Reece, A Grade coach Luke Donaldson and Colin ‘Tiny’ Nelson. Picture: Michelle Haines

Scott said he was loved by anyone who met him.

“Everyone who knew Tiny absolutely loved him and he was and still is really special to all the players,” he said.

“I can still remember the first time I met him and this massive hand that shook mine – he’s been such a presence and inspiration and people like him are why you dedicate yourself to the club.

“There’d be a million stories about Tiny, he was just an amazing person.”

Scott also spoke of Nelson’s desire for success at the Saints, something he said he could never hide.

Colin ‘Tiny’ Nelson with some of Goodwood’s many premiership trophies. His desire of success stayed with him until his passing. Picture: Goodwood Football Club

“I don’t think anything replaces family but, for Tiny, Goodwood Saints was a close second, he loved the club,” Scott said.

“Even in his later days he was giving me passionate pointers on what the club should be doing and he was just always committed to the players.

“Before he passed he told his family whatever you do for me don’t disrupt the club during August and September, they’ve got finals to play – which sums him up and has added more drive for us to win.”

Goodwood will wear black armbands and hold a minute’s silence for Nelson this weekend against Prince Alfred Old Collegians.

Nelson leaves behind sisters Barbara, Kathy, Sandra, Jeanette and Tanya and brother Gavin.