Oliver Lees
The Sunbury community is grieving the loss of Sunbury Kangaroos football president Allan Walters, who died last week.
A long list of community sporting clubs and individuals shared their admiration for the Kangaroos clubman online after news broke he had died in a workplace incident.
Mr Walters served as president of the Kangaroos for 13 years and also contributed to the club as a player, a coach, committee member and team manager.
Mr Walters was president when the Kangaroos won their two premierships, including the 2019 season when the club transitioned to the Essendon District Football League.
More recently he had been an advocate for the renovation of the clubrooms at Eric Boardman Reserve, with works beginning on that project in the next few months.
Sunbury Kangaroos senior coach Leigh Sporle said Mr Walters was the embodiment of the club’s spirit.
“He was just always such a fun bloke, he made everything about playing footy really enjoyable, and he genuinely cared for everyone,” Mr Sporle said.
“Thursday nights at the club he’ll get on the microphone to a packed crowd and be stirring everyone up. That was the beauty of Allan, he was such a character.
“He never missed a game, you could always hear him from a mile away either cheering or getting involved in some way. He loved it.
“He wasn’t the type of president that was afraid to roll up his sleeves, he was the ultimate hard worker. And that really is what the Sunbury Kangaroos is all about.”
In a post on their Facebook page, the East Sunbury Football Club said the club had been saddened by the news.
“We extend our sincere condolences to Allan’s family, friends and the Sunbury Kangaroos Football Club,” the club said.
“Allan was a champion of football in our wider Sunbury community, a man who conducted himself with honor and integrity, and a friend to our community at East Sunbury.”
Sporle said Mr Walters was also a devoted father to Geoff and Jaimilee and husband to Lori.
“I’m going to miss his advice, I call him everyday or he calls me. I’ve had a few moments where I’ve gone to get my phone out of my pocket and then I remember.
“He was a mentor to me and someone that so many people looked up to.”
