Former Geelong footballer Ray Card speaks after death of partner Amanda “Mandy” McDonald

Former Geelong footballer Ray Card has given an emotional tribute to his partner who died in a tragic crash that he has been charged over.

Former Geelong footballer Ray Card was a pallbearer for his beloved partner, Mandy McDonald, at her moving funeral service on Wednesday.

Former Geelong footballer Ray Card has given an emotional tribute to his beloved partner who died in a tragic crash that he has been charged over.

Crowds of mourners said their goodbyes to Geelong mother-of-two Amanda “Mandy” McDonald, 57, at the St Bernard’s church in Highton on Wednesday, with Mr Card speaking of the incredible bond and love the pair shared before she was killed in a tragedy on the Geelong Ring Rd on November 16.

Mr Card, who played 110 games for the Cats between 1977 and 1987, was allegedly the driver of the vehicle and has been charged with culpable driving causing death and dangerous driving causing death.

Flanked in support by Ms McDonald’s family and wearing a dark blue suit, a purple shirt and burgundy tie, Mr Card spoke about a 12-year relationship he described as “one of the happiest loving stories ever”.

“We had a lot of fun times together,” he said.

He described her as “loving, emphatic, loyal and stylish” and said her children, Jordan and Gemma, were the light of her life.

“The happiest I ever saw Mandy was at Jordan and Gemma’s weddings,” he said.

“She loved her kids.”

Ray Card at the funeral of his partner Mandy McDonald.

Mr Card first met her 22 years ago, with the pair becoming regular attendees at GMHBA Stadium for Geelong home games and functions.

Mr Card is the president of the Cats past players group.

Ms McDonald grew up in Geelong with most knowing her family from their time living on Yarra St.

She went to St Bernard’s Primary School on High St before completing her secondary schooling at Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College.

Her brother, Mark, said “she loved her sport” and was heavily involved in the St Albans and East Geelong football clubs.

She was also a passionate Cats supporter, spending a lot of time at the club with Mr Card over the past decade and beyond.

Mr Card wipes away tears.

He said the former Geelong best and fairest winner was welcomed into his family straight away.

“He fit right in,” he said.

“Mandy and Ray loved to spend their time at the Cats. Home games were a lot of fun.

“It was a great network that she loved getting involved with.”

Ms McDonald’s colleagues from Kellogg's, where she had worked in the Victoria field sales team for the past 10 years, were in attendance at the funeral.

The company, rebranded to Kellanova, were thanked personally by Mr Card and her brother on Wednesday for their unwavering support to the families since her death.

Ms McDonald is survived by her two children and Mr Card, her daughter-in-law Lauren and siblings Gez, Mark and Garry.

She was a much-loved daughter to Trish and Neil and sister-in-law to Clive, Sally and Michelle.

Originally published as Former Geelong footballer Ray Card speaks after death of partner Amanda “Mandy” McDonald