We were proud to be joined at Arkaba Oval this week, by Rob Bonython to do us the honour of tossing the commemorative Life Member coin for our match against Nairne Bremer.
We would like to thank Rob Bonython who is a Life Member of one of our Heritage Club’s Stirling Football Club and who is doing us the honour having tossed the commemorative Life Member coin for our match against Nairne-Bremer Saturday May 13 2023.
Rob started playing football at the Crafers Primary School in 1956 and then began his career with the Stirling Football Club, being a premiership player in the 1960 Colts side.
Advancing to senior football with Stirling, his career was put on hold while he served 2 years in the Army from 1966 to mid-1968. On return to Stirling, he went on to play Finals and Grand Finals and he earned the reputation as a “dour defender” at CHB and FB in the A Grade
He was noted as having a hard approach at the ball, possessing a long kick and was good overhead. Unfortunately, a knee injury saw Rob’s early retirement from playing in 1972 but he went on to assist the club by helping run the canteen, cabarets at Aldgate and Crafers Halls, raffles and sat as a member of the club’s social committee. Rob was awarded Life Membership in 1976 and continued the fund-raising service with Stirling until its amalgamation and formation of the Mt Lofty District Football Club.
The same dedication shown throughout his Stirling days has seen Rob support our broader community and is a very committed member of the Stirling RSL where he has been involved for nearly 50 years. Such dedication led to him being “awarded the highest award made by the RSL – the RSL Meritorious Service Medal in 2011.”
Thanks for everything Rob!
