Bill West
It’s official! Formed in 1872, Lancefield Football Club – now known as Lancefield Football Netball Club – has its first ‘Legend’.
There was a standing ovation from a packed gathering at Kilmore Trackside on Saturday evening after 77-year-old Barry ‘Mocca’ Hunt was installed as a Tiger ‘Legend’, with his credentials outlined in detail.
The occasion was the club’s annual presentation night, and the ‘Legend’ presentation was the first formality for the evening, such was its importance.
President Mark Morgan extended a welcome to all, and the announcement was soon flagged as club stalwart Russell Pattinson, vice-president Nicholas Walsh and compere Chris Jolly took pride of place.
It was indicated the Tigers were about to reveal who was their first ’Legend’, and Barry Hunt was caught totally unawares when his name was read out.
SIMPLE LIFE, LOVE OF FOOTBALL
Many who have lived a lifetime at Lancefield may consider the long-time farmer/ potato grower and local football follower is already something of a legend; he is certainly an identity.
Others not so familiar learnt a lot about him from the portrayal partially prepared by family members, and outlined by Mr Walsh.
“Barry lives a very simple life on the farm he loves, but his main love in life is the Lancefield Football Netball Club.
“He has been a player, committee member and raffle organiser … he has raised many thousands of dollars over more than 50 years, more often than not buying the raffle tickets out of his own money.”
Sometimes he grew potatoes on the side of the road and donated proceeds from the sales to the Lancefield club.
Barry began playing football in the under 16s, many times wearing number 38 and playing with his younger brothers Ron (number 37) and Brian (39).
He progressed to the Reserves, then played in the seniors on occasions (he says he played seven games at that level).
For many years he would come along to the ground in the hope that he may get a game if some selected players failed to turn up.
Various humorous stories emerged involving Lancefield and other teams, and Barry’s presence. He has always been interested in knowing what is going on at other clubs and who the best players are.
Friday night at the Hunt household was always cleaning football boots, putting in laces, hammering in stops and packing footy bags.
Barry has never had a watch and runs his life by sunrise and sunset.
At monthly committee meetings he would just wander in at any old time, sit down and join in, and all loved that!
Lancefield’s last premiership captain, Simon Choate, recalls an interleague game at Barooga, New South Wales, when Lancefield had reps in the Under 19s and seniors; Barry got all the game times and directions, and at three-quarter-time in the seniors he was just pulling in.
FROM ‘OLD SCHOOL’
He was part of the ‘old school’ where ‘silent partners’ would pay players from their own funds – just a slip from the pocket to the players. Barry did this for years.
“Something that many from the club over a long period would say about Barry is that he is a kind, compassionate and caring individual.
“Many can attest to being recipients of many acts of kindness over the years.
“He is a gentleman in many forms, always giving, never expecting or seeking recognition, thanks or acknowledgement of his lifelong contribution to his beloved Lancefield Football Netball Club,” it was stated.
Deeply moved by the praise, and the ‘Legend’ plaque presentation, Barry admitted he was “overwhelmed” and thanked everyone involved with the Tigers.
“I think this is the best club one has ever seen,” he declared, stating he felt very lucky to be able to enjoy the moment.
Congratulatory messages from some who would have liked to be there but were otherwise occupied included John Scott, the Barkers from Woodend-Hesket, and former Tigers’ president Clark Todd.
