Sunraysia: Fel Cua takes over as Ouyen United president

A familiar name is back as president of Ouyen United Football-Netball Club — and the incoming leader admits he has big shoes to fill.

Fel Cua has taken over as president of Ouyen United Football-Netball Club, a decade on from the sudden death of his father Tony when he was in the role.

Tony was only in his early 50s and in his third term as president when he suffered a heart attack and died midway through the season.

He had been instrumental in building new clubrooms at the Ouyen United’s home ground before becoming president, but died before witnessing a long held ambition he and others shared for the club to join the Sunraysia league come to fruition.

It finally happened in 2016, with the club winning the premiership in its debut season and another two years later.

Late last year his son, Fel, took over from Mal Crothers as club president.

Esther Cua and son Fel at the Ouyen United club rooms the late Tony Cua was instrumental in helping build. Picture: Glenn Milne

Fel said aspiring to perform the same role as his late father was “certainly a factor”.

“It’s probably been in the back of your mind that one day it’s something you’d like to do,” he said.

“In these small communities it’s really important people step up and you have your succession planning in place.

“We’ve been pretty lucky at our club that we’ve had people who are ready to put their hand up when the time has come.”

Fel has coached the club’s reserves, but modestly says he was a “very average reserves player”.

Former Ouyen United president and grain grower Jarrod Munro. Picture: Else Kennedy

Jarrod Munro stepped up as president when Tony died and said his death a decade ago left a gaping hole to fill.

“Everyone has got football heroes in their local communities and then there was Tony, who was next level,” he said.

“He was a very quiet and unassuming person and definitely not someone standing up the front beating his chest.

“He was the dead opposite if truth be known.

“Once he wasn’t there we soon discovered how much he was doing.”

Meanwhile, Ouyen United has appointed co-coaches Kale Barker and Scott Grigg for the 2023 season after Brad Vallance stepped down following its loss to eventual premiers Irymple in the preliminary final last year.

SANFL star recruit Kaine Stevens will play with Ouyen United again this year.