By Bob McLellan

‘Doggy’, otherwise known as Roger Brown.

A BIG presence at our Club.

Doggy was indeed a huge presence around the Club and was much loved and was an excellent speaker and storyteller. His chapter on page 329 of ‘A Tribute’ beautifully illustrates his writing skills. It is a superb chapter and tells the story of the Warriors or Club XVIII side since its inception in 1980. The chapter is further enriched with contributions from Nick Sher, Dan Stockdale and Marcus Barber (who incidentally is running as a candidate in the Ivison Ward for the 2020 Bayside Elections) who took the Warriors to a Premiership in 2009.

As Roger explains, the Clubbies was ‘a recruiting zone for Tonners with limited training time, an overflow destination for enthusiastic U19’s or a last bastion for former greats…’

With help from Rob Draper, Roger begins his chapter by referring to the birth of the Clubbies. Rick Trewavis was nearly its first coach, but David Becker came to the rescue. Read on in ‘A Tribute’, it’s well worth it.

Roger explains that his football career began with the Warriors and the OBGFC in 1987. The same year that the Warriors ceased to exist. But in 1995, Doggie was not only instrumental in reforming the Club XVIII side but also took on the coaching position. (page 334).

In 1992, Roger Captained the Reserves to a Premiership. Shane ‘Gonzo’ Young was Coach and Peter ‘Buddha’ Grant President.

In 1996, Roger was not only appointed Coach of the Reserves but took his team to another Reserves Premiership. Mike Perry was President and Matty McLennan Captain.

In 1999, Roger then took on the U19 coaching position. Ross Paterson was President and Adam Ginnivan Captain.

With a lot more still to give to his Club, Doggie in 2003 was appointed President and continued to hold that position in 2004 & 2005. He also took on the demanding job of Bar Manager for two years.

Because of his popularity and sparkling personality any social functions were enriched by his involvement as was the general atmosphere around our Club.

Such was Doggy’s presence around our Club that after he started to call me Bobby and having been called til then either Bob or Macca, I notice it has stuck with me ever since.

Roger’s continuing energy and drive led to him being involved in the Past Players Group. This group organized a very successful match between past players followed by a huge mixed luncheon held at the Bowling Club next door. Doggie also organized a 50th Anniversary Dinner which included announcing a ‘Team Of The Half Century’.

Surely one of the more satisfying moments for Roger at our Club resulted from his involvement with the Ground Development Committee. This eventually resulted in approval being granted for the exceptionally fine balcony construction we now enjoy using in front of our Clubrooms.

How is that for an incredible story of service to our Club. Just another inspiring example of how fortunate our Club has been to gain such truly devoted members.