Former South Barwon footballer and East Belmont cricketer Phil Rogers dies
A hard nosed cricketer known as “The Axeman” is one of five local sports people who have died in recent weeks, with the GFNL reigning premiers set to wear black arm bands to honour a late Lion.
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The Geelong sporting community has farewelled five beloved former players, coaches and club servants in recent weeks, underlining the importance volunteers play at the grassroots level.
On Monday, South Barwon Football Club paid tribute to life member Phil Rogers who died on May 22 following a battle with brain cancer.
Rogers was a former player and committee member during the 1960s and 70s.
Also an East Belmont Cricket Club life member, the Lions acknowledged Rogers’ “outstanding contribution” over many seasons.
In a tribute, club great Peter “Jack” Caulfield said Rogers joined the Lions in 1973 as a top order batter, going on to play 278 games before retiring in 2002.
In total, he made 5992 runs at an average of 25.17 with five tons, pouched 130 catches and won six premierships from seven grand finals, including two in first grade.
He would serve the club on the committee, rising to vice president, won the best clubman award on three occasions and the McMahon Medal in 83-84.
“Phil was a hard nosed, no nonsense player and he was well respected by both his teammates and the opposition,” Caulfield wrote.
“He was at times jokingly referred to as ‘The Axeman’ and ‘Jack O’Toole’ due to his penchant for smashing the ball with his powerful forearms.”
Caulfield said this was shown in the 1984-85 first grade grand final where he smashed a rapid 30 to get the side home against Newtown as rain threatened.”
Incredibly, he received life membership after just five years at the club.
The day after Rogers’ passing, on May 23, former Geelong Amateur and Queenscliff player Gareth Prime died after a battle with cancer.
Prime coached his son Billy in the junior grades at the Ammos and was known for his kindness, generosity, optimism and sense of team as a player.
He would join the Coutas from the Ammos in 2001 and became a “great contributor immediately” on and off the field, Queenscliff FC said in a statement over the weekend.
“His enthusiasm and infectious smile made him a much loved Couta,” the club said.
Meanwhile, Peter Kleindienst, a proud life member of Leopold Football Club, died recently.
Playing 137 games between 1983 and 92, he won a seniors most improved award, played in a reserves flag in 88 and received a best and fairest in the twos the following season.
A former PE teacher at Oberon High School, Kleindienst was awarded life membership in 1995 and served in various committee roles at different stages.
“‘Kleiny’ was a loyal teammate, a tireless volunteer, always willing to put his hand up and a true clubman,” the club said on Friday.
“His impact on Leopold FNC will not be forgotten.”
Lions senior players will wear black armbands in honour of his contribution against Lara this weekend.
In the GDFNL, Inverleigh paid tribute to Peter “Pistol” Lomas over the weekend, who joined the Hawks in 2016 and became a dedicated trainer and club-focused volunteer.
“Often first to arrive and last to leave, Pistol could always be relied upon to show up and give the players the best chance to get on the field,” the club said in a statement on Saturday.
It comes as North Geelong Cricket Club women’s coach Jason Quagliaro died on Sunday following a cancer fight.
He co-assisted with the Magpie’s E Grade premiership team and was “loved by all the girls”, the club said in a statement.
Originally published as Former South Barwon footballer and East Belmont cricketer Phil Rogers dies
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