Neil’s motto in life comes from his mum and goes like this, “If you have the physical and mental capacity to pursue your passion, then age should not be an obstacle to your performance, whether you are 10 or 100, male or female.”

Neil has certainly taken those words to heart! As a 70 year old youngster, he is a well-known sporting identity in the Bega Valley and has been recognised around Australia for his sporting achievements. Indeed, in 2018, Neil notched up his 9th AFL Masters National Championship title with his State Vic Metro team in a full contact sport.

In 2003, he made Sapphire Coast AFL history by playing, at the age of 55, with the Merimbula Marlins’ senior side and also was awarded the Senior Coach’s Award.

Neil has worn every AFL football jumper around the Sapphire Coast, except Narooma. With the Pambula Panthers, he was involved in Preliminary and Grand Final Reserves games and club awards. Closer to home, the Merimbula Diggers provided him with a Reserves Premiership and another Coach’s Award. He’s played with the Bega Bombers, the amalgamated Bombers and Tathra Sea Eagles team (part of the successful Reserves Premiership side) and he’s won a premiership with the Eden Whalers Reserves team.

For the past 15 years, Neil has proven to be an invaluable contributor to the PSSA Far South Coast. He’s coached, umpired and been involved in the selection process for the representative team, a team, which has proven to be a successful breeding ground for future AFL players, male and female.

Humble in success, gracious in defeat and tenacious for his game, Neil has made a valuable contribution to local sport, whether on the field or off.