Graeme ‘Grey Bags’ Meredith tribute

‘Your legacy will live on forever’: Sunshine Coast’s sporting community is mourning the loss of Maroochydore Roos life member Graeme ‘Grey Bags’ Meredith.

The Sunshine Coast sporting community has paid tribute to Maroochydore Roos life member Graeme ‘Grey Bags’ Meredith after he passed away following his battle with illness.

Meredith was known by many as ‘the ultimate volunteer’ and referred to as one of the ‘beating hearts’ for the Roos since joining them in 2005.

He passed away on May 15, aged 83.

Meredith’s son Robert said he was his ‘first hero’.

“Like any kid, he was my first hero,” Mr Meredith’s son said.

“He was proud of his family and friends, loved a chat, and was the happiest among his mates.”

The father of two was an Aussie rules tragic, representing Victoria and New South Wales as a staff member before coaching, managing and volunteering at a number of clubs across Australia.

“He was the treasurer of the Essendon District Football League from 1976 and then got involved in managing and coaching when my brother and I started playing in 1980,” Mr Meredith’s son said.

“He was the property manager for the Victorian and New South Wales state teams and from 1992 to 1997 he worked for the Sydney Swans.”

Graeme 'Grey Bags' Meredith was an integral part of the Maroochydore Roos football club. Picture: Supplied.

Following his second divorce Mr Meredith set off on a tour of Australia and stopped in Maroochydore where his two sisters Janet, Lois and their extended families lived.

One day while shopping he ran into an old friend in former Essendon player and then Maroochydore Roos coach Peter Sommerville, who invited Graeme to come to the club.

Mr Meredith said his dad enjoyed being someone that the club could rely on.

“He always put others needs above his own and went the extra mile to not only help, but would make sure you were happy with whatever he helped with,” Mr Meredith said.

“He was a people pleaser and he could bail you up for hours if he began with the words ‘I’ll tell you a funny story’.

“Everyone will miss him and I just want to hear him say ‘g’day’ one more time, then pause and wait for me to recognise his voice.”

Many people have left their tributes to Mr Meredith on numerous Facebook posts.

“I wasn’t ready, it was too soon, but it was a privilege to be there until the end and I hope you felt all the love there was for you. The place is not the same without you G-bags. Your legacy will live on forever. Rest easy,” Lisa Daldy commented.

“The true gatekeeper of Sherrins. The senior lads will be finding new footy’s hidden around the rooms for years to come. Thanks for everything Grey Bags,” Dave Hulsman said.

“Always up for a chat and a bit of banter he will be missed by so many, RIP and condolences to his family and Maroochydore Roos AFL football club,” Adam Bovalino said.

“R. I. P Graeme. The very reason why football clubs are so great. Hard working, respectful, reliable, loyal and loved a chat. Sincere condolences to all,” Brett Maloney commented.

A wake will be held at the Maroochydore Roos football club on Friday, June 3 at 2pm.