We would like to extend a warm welcome to everybody here today at the Arkaba Oval. We would especially like to welcome Chris Chardon who is a Life Member of Mt Lofty and who is doing us the honour of tossing the commemorative Life Member coin for this very important match against Nairne-Bremer.
Chris’s football life commenced as a 12 year old with the Stirling Football Club Senior Colts (Under 16 in those days) in 1962 and he remembers well the side competing in a Grand Final and kicking a goal in his first match. Playing in the ruck, success followed with Premierships in 1963, against an undefeated Bridgewater, and 1964 when Stirling went through undefeated.
He was then enticed to play with Sturt Under 17’s in 1965 and 1966 before returning to Stirling in 1967. In 1969 Stirling made the Grand Final against Mt Barker and while Chris kicked 3 goals in the match as a ruck rover and half forward, Mounts went on to win the first of 3 Premierships in a row.
Chris retired from playing at 25 but took up long distance running, going on to complete 6 marathons, 13 City-Bay Runs and numerous other fun runs.
Aside from playing sport, Chris worked for the Education Department for his entire 43 year career and achieved qualifications in accounting and business management. He used those qualifications in many committee positions across so many sporting and community organisations and has always been a passionate advocate for this area.
Achievements during his incredible community service are far too numerous to cover today but include: Life Member of the Stirling Cricket Club, Life Member of the Mount Lofty Districts Historical Society and recipient of the Regional Historian of the year on 2 occasions.
His love of the area and passion for its history has seen Chris author many books including “Stirling: A Personal View” and of great interest to us all “Recreation Reserve No.2” which covers the history, from the late 1800’s, of this reserve on which the Heathfield Oval was built.
We are recognising today though, Chris’s wonderful service to the Mt Lofty Football Club which has seen him carry out roles of Club Secretary, Club Delegate to the Hills Football League, Team Manager, Time Keeper and rewriting the Constitutions for the Football Club and the Community and Sports Club.
Congratulations to this little firecracker Allani Dawes, who will play her 50th Senior Club Game on Sunday against Nairne.
A Devil by birth right, Allani has been around the club and soaking in the atmosphere since before she can remember, and has now grown into one of the most devoted and respected senior womens players out there. With 50 Senior Club games plus 12 SANFLW Sturt games, she really is on the up and up!
A strong, hard working defender that rules the half back flank, and can sneak up forward for a cheeky goal. Her passion to the Devs shows in getting around the juniors and running some events (get around her Quiz Night coming up) plus this little Dawes can tear up the dance floor as good as any other..
With the pointy end of the season fast approaching for all our senior, junior and moddies teams, it’s more important than ever to support the Devs as they fight for a top 4 or 5 ladder position.
Head to Arkaba Oval to soak up all the action, with many of our moddies and juniors teams, as well as our Senior Men and Senior Women, playing at home this Friday/Saturday/Sunday.
Mount Lofty Football Club is hosting a DEVILS’ QUIZ NIGHT on Saturday 23rd July from 7pm to 10pm at the Club.
This will be a fun night out for the whole family, with games between quiz rounds, great prizes to win and a silent auction. The bar will be open and each table is invited to bring their own snacks to share.
Tables of 10 can be purchased for $250. Scan the QR code below to book your table today!
