Springvale sports clubs are mourning the death of Andy McQueen at age 52

Andy McQueen, who has died at age 52, was a brilliant ruckman for Springvale Districts and a fine fast bowler for the Springvale and Springvale South cricket clubs.

ANDY McQueen played 199 games for Springvale Districts Football Club.

It would have been 200 if he had turned up to a match against Lyndale on time and without liquor on his breath.

Tony Cooper was coaching Districts then and big Andy arrived late and in a state safely described as tired and emotional.

He apologised profusely to Cooper, pointing out he was a club life member and a senior best and fairest and it was embarrassing to find himself in this situation.

“I got his full resume,’’ Cooper recalled with a chuckle.

Soon after McQueen had made his apology, Cooper heard the unmistakeable “tttssshhh’’ sound of a can of beer being opened.

He turned to see his ruckman holding a VB, apparently satisfied he was back in the good books with the coach and could take a sip as he watched the game.

Cooper tells the story so well it never fails to produce a gust of laughter from the listener.

Hearts are heavy at Districts and at the Springvale and Springvale South cricket clubs following the death of McQueen this morning at age 52.

He had been taken to Frankston Hospital in the early hours of last Sunday and immediately placed on life support.

A pace bowler who relished long spells, even in harsh heat, McQueen was appointed captain-coach of Springvale South CC in 1993-94 and a few years later had the same role at Springvale CC.

In 1996-97 he took a pile of wickets as he led the Vales into the grand final.

Andy McQueen with his father, Gordon, in 2002.

At Districts he was what Cooper called a “lion-hearted ruckman’’ for more than a decade, winning the 1998 and 2000 best and fairests, gaining life membership and representing the Southern league.

He was inducted to the hall of fame in 2011.

Doubtless he inherited his football ability from his father, Gordon, who as he approached his 70th birthday was still rucking in Masters ranks and still making rovers happy.

It must be said that McQueen had a thirst for beer that was not easily satisfied. For years family and friends urged him to cut back.

But for reasons on which it would be unwise to speculate he could never shake it. He seemed more intent on helping others than helping himself, and helpless to stop his inevitable decline.

And so the enduring images of him are winning a tap for Districts, charging in to bowl off a long run and, after play, telling stories at the bar, a pot of beer in hand and a cigarette invariably falling from his lips.

“He was a larger than life character who left a huge impression with all who knew him,’’ Cooper said.

After his football and cricket, McQueen, a skilled French polisher who at one point had a business in Dandenong, took up lawn bowls, playing with much success in the Frankston district.

Andy McQueen is survived by his children Josh, Kieran, Teagan and Kaitlyn. He adored them all.

Funeral arrangements are being made.