AFL Queensland inducts Coolaroo life member into Hall of Fame

For more than 30 years Leo Camm was dedicated to growing Aussies rules in Queensland. Now AFL QLD has bestowed a rare honour on the Coolaroo stalwart. Read about it here.

Leo Camm (far right – white shirt) played a huge part in the development and growth of Coolaroo Football Club. Picture: Contributed

For 15 years Leo Camm was as much a part of Darling Downs Aussie rules as the balls players kicked and handballed around the field.

Moving to Toowoomba in 1974 Leo’s passion for the game was immediately evident.

Joining Coolaroo Football Club he loved his time as a player, coach, mentor and friend.

At the Darling Downs level he served as an umpire, judiciary panel member, competition president, DDAFL selector and team manager.

Leo, who died last year aged 86, was inducted into the AFL Queensland Hall of Fame earlier this year.

The rare honour was an acknowledgment of Leo’s commitment to helping shape and grow the game at the grassroots level.

“We’re very proud and honoured,” Leo’s son Rod said.

“Dad was a very humble man. He volunteered because he loved the game at the grassroots level.

Leo Camm with his wife Lesleigh at an Aussie rules function

“He wanted to make difference, to help make young men realise their potential as players and people.

“He loved being there on the sidelines – you couldn’t make a difference in the grandstand.

“I don’t think he would’ve said much if he were there to receive the honour but I can clearly picture him saying ‘Well I guess I did something right’.”

Leo died in May 2022 on the eve of his 63rd wedding anniversary.

The Queensland Aussie rules community collectively mourned Leo who was a life member of the DDAFL, Surfers Paradise and Coolaroo football clubs as well as forming the Mackay Football League.

Rod said his father lived on in the memory of his family and everyone he helped.

“You never get over it but you do get used to it in a way,” Rod said of his father’s passing.

“He visits us all the time.

“When my daughter got married it was under the arbour he (Leo) built.

“When we were told of his induction we thought about him.

“With Coolaroo playing in the grand final, even though I couldn’t be there I pictured him there on the sidelines.

“We (the Camm family) openly talk about him all the time and remember as the strong, loving man that he was to us all.”

Originally published as AFL Queensland inducts Coolaroo life member into Hall of Fame