Former Mornington Peninsula league footballer Mal Rowley dies

Pearcedale coach Peter Bastinac has added to the tributes for former Mornington Peninsula footballer Mal Rowley, who died last Wednesday.

Mal Rowley at Pearcedale footy club. Picture: Facebook

There’s been an outpouring of emotion after the sudden death of former Mornington Peninsula league footballer Mal Rowley.

A premiership player at both Pines and Pearcedale, Rowley was also a long-time supporter of the Pearcedale football community.

He died after a fall at his property at Tocumwal earlier in the week — just days after watching Pearcedale’s win over Rye.

Pearcedale coach Peter Bastinac said his great mate Rowley was a “good man, just a bloody ripper’’.

Bastinac took a selection gamble ahead of the 1996 grand final by bringing in a 38-year-od Rowley for the decider against Mt Eliza.

It paid off, with Rowley playing a key role in the Dales’ 45-point triumph.

“In 1996 when we went into that grand final against Mt Eliza they had a big forward that I didn’t really have a match up for,’’ Bastinac said.

“Mal hadn’t played senior footy for most of the year, and I just went to him and said, ‘I reckon you can do the job for us mate’.

“And people were questioning me...I think Mal was 38 then. I was trying to tell the rest of the boys that we only need him to play one good game to help us win a premiership and that was how it played out. He was one of our better players on the day.’’

Mal Rowley at Pearcedale footy club. Picture: Facebook

Bastinac said it was a moment the pair cherished.

“Every time we saw each other he’d say, ‘I’m glad you took a risk on me. I was so happy’. That was our moment I think,’’ Bastinac said.

“You have moments in life that you remember forever and that was one that we spoke about again on Saturday night (last week).’’

Pearcedale players wore black armbands on Saturday for Rowley and Bastinac said the club spoke about him during the week.

Rowley also played in Pines’ premiership team in 1983, the season when the Pythons won the senior, reserve and thirds flags.

On Saturday, many of his ‘83 Pines premiership teammates gathered at Eric Bell Reserve to remember him.

Rowley also won a Pines best and fairest, and was named in the club’s team of the decade of 1984-1993.

Pines coach Paddy Swayn said Rowley was a much loved and respected figure at the Frankston North club.

“Mal Rowley was one of those blokes who never said a bad word about anybody, but everyone said a good word about him. He was just one of those guys,’’ Swayn said.

Rowley’s Pearcedale premiership teammate Rick Wells posted an emotional tribute to Rowley on Facebook, remembering his generosity in helping him get started as a concreter.

“One of the greatest men I’ve known has tragically passed away,’’ Wells wrote.

“This bloke helped me more in life than any man ever has.’’

Wells added: “Amazing work ethic, and very high morals. Made himself a family in Pearcedale, and gave many kids like myself a job. I know most people turn into better blokes after they’ve passed, but this bloke was one of the best. Never ever heard anyone say anything bad about him.’’

Former footballers also paid tribute to Rowley.

“RIP you big champion. What a magnificent person. Respect,’’ wrote Luke Hutchinson.

From Paul Gay: “Sad news, thoughts with Helen and family, such a gentleman who looked after me on the field when I was 18! Rip big fella!’’