South Australian local footy, cricket legend Wayne Paech remembered

A local country sporting hero has been remembered as a loveable husband, brother, father and grandfather and friend to many after his death aged 63.

Paech passed away on Sunday aged 63 after a short battle with cancer but not before fulfilling a dying wish of getting along to the local footy and watching his grandchildren play netball. Picture: Dean Martin

Beloved Mallee and Murraylands sporting figure Wayne Paech has been remembered as a kind and loveable husband, brother, father, adoring Poppy and mate to many.

Paech passed away on Sunday aged 63 after a short battle with cancer but not before fulfilling a dying wish of getting along to the local footy and watching his grandchildren play netball.

Beloved Mallee and Murraylands sporting figure Wayne Paech has been remembered as kind and loveable. Picture: Dean Martin

Well known as a champion footballer with Wynarka, Karoonda and the Rambler club in Murray Bridge, Paech kicked 1543 goals in a career which spanned from 1978-2001.

He was also a celebrated cricketer and post-playing career was a dedicated volunteer, coach and administrator and umpired both cricket and football.

Widow Linda Paech said her beloved husband was diagnosed with cancer in August last year and battled to be well enough to be out doing a bit of tractor work with his son Ryan, which “Wayne just loved”.

However, he fell sick last week and was admitted to hospital in Murray Bridge where he passed away on Sunday, but not before fulfilling one last wish.

Widow Linda Paech said she was lucky to have Wayne as her husband and best friend. Picture: Supplied.

Wayne Paech wearing his old guernsey at his former footballer at the club in November 2024. Picture: Dean Martin

“He wanted to go to the local footy on Saturday and that was his last wish, he got along to watch his granddaughters play netball and after some time out he returned to hospital,” Mr Paech said.

“On Saturday night he said ‘don’t cry, just be happy – I’ve had enough, I’m ready to go to heaven’ … so all the family were there with him when he passed away.”

Known by friends as Digga – and by opponents as the “Wynarka Wizard” – Paech led the Murray Lands Football League goalkicking nine times including eight years in a row from 1979 to 1988. His season-best was a massive 138 goals in 1987.

The country footy star spoke to The Advertiser in December and spoke about the importance of volunteers working to keep local sport alive in rural and regional areas.

He also shared some memories of the golden years at his beloved Wynarka oval, where footy is no longer played and a playground now stands.

“I kicked a goal right where the slippery dip is,” he said, pointing to the wing 60-70m from where the now-crooked goalposts stand.

The Wynarka premiership team in 1987 with Paech in the front row, third from the left.

“The bell had gone and I’m lining up while the East Murray backline were walking in, so I’ve let this ripper go and got on to one.”

His tale was backed up by Mrs Paech, but at the time she wasn’t a fan.

She was an East Murray netballer so the man she married was the enemy and she was heckling the Wynarka rival from the sideline.

“I remember that, I gave you sh*t then – I was sitting right there, I came off the netball court, I was going ‘you won’t kick that’,” she said.

Mrs Paech thanked the community for all their “kindness and love” and said Wayne would be farewelled at his funeral at the Karoonda Football Club on May 19,

However, if Wayne has his way, attendees will to have to bring an umbrella.

“He said he’ll make it rain – he said he’ll be up there asking a few questions and trying to get some much needed rain for the region,” Mrs Paech said.

Originally published as South Australian local footy, cricket legend Wayne Paech remembered