Defence lawyer Bernie ‘The Attorney’ Balmer takes on Sorrento’s top job
TOP Melbourne defence lawyer Bernie “The Attorney” Balmer has been elected president of Sorrento Football and Netball Club.
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TOP Melbourne defence lawyer Bernie “The Attorney” Balmer has been elected president of Sorrento Football and Netball Club.
“It’s a privilege,’’ Balmer, who has a holiday house at Portsea and been a regular at Sorrento home games for years, told the Leader.
“I’m going to put my energies into the club which I love. It’s been a source of great enjoyment and entertainment.’’
Balmer has over 30 years’ experience in criminal law and some of his clients have included Mark “Chopper” Read and Mick Gatto.
He has been chairman of the Victorian Professional Boxing and Combat Sports Board for almost 20 years but intends to relinquish the role at the end of the year, freeing up his time.
Balmer said he would be a supportive president, careful not to interfere with the running of the Sharks’ footy department.
“On field’s on field and I’m certainly going to have no opinion or say about that,’’ he said.
“As far as I’m concerned the committee – the administration – has got to provide the petrol for the kids who are on field.’’
Balmer has firm plans to improve the Sorrento club.
“One of the biggest heartaches down there is the lack of local government support in developing infrastructure for the girls,’’ he said.
“We don’t have girls’ changerooms…the clubrooms are well-dated but not women-friendly. That’s going to be a focus. We’re going to have 17 teams (next season), with the netball and footy.’’
Sorrento senior coach Nick Jewell said Balmer’s ascension to club president was “a really good get for us’’.
“He’s been coming to every Sorrento game for years. He’s well versed on our league and how everything runs,’’ Jewell said.
Jewell said Balmer was a very down to earth person who enjoys a VB stubby and drives an old Holden.
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