David Claxton shares tribute after ex-Brisbane Bullet dies

The former coach of a Gold Coast sporting legend and ex-Brisbane Bullet has paid tribute to one of the greats.

Basketballer Neil Goldfinch, third from left, representing Queensland in 1977. Picture: Supplied.

Tributes have begun to flow for Gold Coast basketball legend and former Brisbane Bullet and Queensland representative Neil Goldfinch.

Goldfinch, known as ‘Bounder’, was involved in basketball for decades before he passed aged in his 70s.

The Goldfinch name is enormous in Gold Coast Basketball, with brother Frank a former Brisbane Bullet and nephew Cameron a former Gold Coast Roller and current QPL player for Ipswich.

Neil was widely known a key player at the Gold Coast Cougars (now the Gold Coast Rollers), and represented the Brisbane Bullets for a season in 1980.

After moving to the Gold Coast at 15-years-old, Goldfinch began an apprenticeship at the old Sundale, just around the corner from Lawson Street Stadium – the heart of Gold Coast Basketball.

It didn’t take long for Goldfinch to establish himself as a fine player, joining the Gold Stars in A Grade and playing in Metro competitions and Brisbane Leagues, before his eventual selection to the Queensland Men’s A Grade in 1977, headed up by David Claxton.

Claxton said he had nothing but warm memories of Goldfinch.

“He had a very good career, he was a fierce competitor, he never took a backwards step,” Claxton said.

“He was always there to help win the game and he got on well with all the players in every team he was it.

“Off the court he was a gentle giant in many ways, but on court he had that fierce competitive spirit.”

Standing at about 200cm tall, Goldfinch became a prominent player for the Gold Coast Cougars state league teams in the late 1970s and 80s, winning the inaugural AAABL, and went on to play a season with the Brisbane Bullets in the early 1980s.

Owen Tomlinson, former owner of the Gold Coast Blaze, was a great friend of Goldfinch.

Basketballer Neil Goldfinch, third from left, representing Queensland in 1977. Picture: Supplied.

“”(I had) known him for over 50 years,” Tomlinson said.

“I still had regular lunches with him and some friends. (He was) as good a mate as anyone could possibly have.”

Goldfinch leaves behind two daughters, a stepdaughter, a stepson and multiple grandchildren.

Basketball Queensland paid tribute to the “Queensland basketball legend” on Facebook.

“Earning his nickname as a fierce competitor, Bounder represented Gold Coast on numerous occasions throughout his career and played in multiple State Championships,” they wrote”

“Basketball Queensland would like to extend our condolences to Neil’s family and loved ones.

“May he rest in peace.”

Gold Coast Basketball also wished his family “our sincere condolences.”

Friends and family of Goldfinch are being welcomed to celebrate his life on Saturday at the Benowa Tavern from 1pm.