Tasmanian footy clubs mourn loss of cherished clubman

Local footy clubs in northern Tasmania are mourning the loss of a 21-year-old teammate who died suddenly over the weekend. He has been remembered as a great clubman.

James Wallace playing for Bridgenorth. Picture: Bridgenorth FC

The north Tasmania football community is mourning the loss of a cherished clubman “loved by so many” after Bridgenorth player James Wallace died suddenly aged 21 on Sunday.

The North Launceston junior moved to the Parrots for senior football and played three seasons for the club.

“It’s devastating news for his family, his mates and the whole Bridgenorth family. Someone at 21 taken far too young,” Bridgenorth president Bobby Beams said.

“As a person around our club he’s the epitome of what our clubs stands for, and our values and beliefs.

“He was hard working, loyal and just loved spending time with his mates. An extremely coachable young man and ideal teammate who was very humble and loved by so many.

Bridgenorth rallied around each other on Monday night to remember Wallace, who played 44 games with the Parrots.

James Wallace during his time at North Launceston. Picture: North Launceston FC

“We opened the club up last night and there was hundreds of people there, not just football people connected to the club,” Beams said.

“There was so much love for him which isn’t surprising, he was such a beautiful young man.

“It’s a tough time for all within our club, but one thing our club does well in times like this is throw our arms around each other and support each other.

“We’ll certainly pay tribute to him right throughout the season, and seasons into the future.

North Launceston posted a message on Facebook on Monday night honouring Wallace as a great clubman.

“The glue in the team is the reliable, dedicated, passionate player that everyone around them has faith and confidence in their abilities and holds their friendship in the highest regard,” the post said.

James Wallace. Picture: Bridgenorth FC

“Regardless of underage team or adults the clubman is universally loved and admired.

“We are deeply saddened to inform our stakeholders that our club, along with Bridgenorth and the game in general, has prematurely lost one such individual.

“Yesterday James ‘Jimmy’ Wallace left the world a better place. We are all blessed to have shared his companionship.”

The Bombers also encouraged club stakeholders to wear North Launceston colours to form a guard of honour at the funeral, with a date to be announced.