Pictured - Mid West legend Ryan Du Bois on the farm. A long and decorated career ranging from club level right through to State Country Representation
Mid West’s Ryan Du Bois will receive life membership of the Carnival in 2014 formally recognising a long distinguished involvement in the Carnival and also at higher levels. He joins his father Greg, who received life membership in 1995.
Having been raised on the family farm east of Wudinna, Ryan first played Mortlock Shield as a 16 year old in 1993, also playing in an A Grade premiership later in the year. The following four years he left for the brighter lights of Adelaide, studying agriculture, playing for school and Port Adelaide, returning home to the Eyre Peninsula in 1998.
Upon his return, Ryan was a permanent fixture in the Mid West side, from 1998 through to and including 2010, winning the Carnival three times in 2000, 2003 and 2005, then returning as a selector/ runner in 2013 and 2014. All up this is Ryan’s 16th Carnival. He has gone on to represent Eyre Peninsula for eight years, and also twice as a State County Representative in 2002 at Berri, again in the all-conquering State Country side of 2007 at Stawell Vic. Could well have been more given that the State Country games did not come around each year.
A wonderful team man and leader, he has played in most positions on the ground, but mainly around the centreline where his strong frame and uncanny ability to win the hard ball comes to the fore. Able to kick long goals and enjoys the wet as much as a fine sunny day. Sure hands either in the air or on the ground, and an unsurpassed work ethic. Saturday night Mortlock “recovery activities” are unconventional in AFL terms, but something could be learned by the football community, as he has been remarkably resistant to injury, and in later years, has been able to carry soreness better than many.
Maybe a future life could see him owning Greyhound or Stateliner, Ryan just loves a bus trip, particularly the return home. Team bonding sessions a speciality, he has generously taken it upon himself to make sure the new boys feel welcome, whether Club, Mortlock or Eyre Peninsula. It seems that he has little memory of some of the longer return journeys, but they can be readily recounted by those along with him.
His involvement in Mortlock is ongoing, along with coaching at club level; Ryan has invested countless hours in football, and is well known and respected across all Eyre Peninsula. A strong supporter of inter league in providing Country and particularly younger players a higher level of competition, he is a great role model and mentor to so many.
Closer to home, Ryan is presently coaching Wudinna United, having retired from playing. Mail Medalist in 1998, 2001, Presidents Medal in 2005 (runner up to mail medal). A Grade Premiership player 1993, 1994, 2005 and a trophy cabinet bursting with awards and honours, he is one of the best players to come out of Mid West ever.
Ryan is well supported by his lovely wife Tania, and two daughters Chloe and Leah. Mortlock Life Membership is a richly deserved honour, which will be cherished by Ryan and celebrated by those who are lucky enough to have gone all or part of the journey with him. A big congratulation from Mid West, Mortlock Shield and all involved with Eyre Peninsula Football.
The Life Membership award ceremony and presentation will be held at the Mortlock Shield formal dinner at the Port Lincoln Hotel on Saturday 7 June 2014 at 6.30pm. Guest speaker for the evening is George Fiacchi from Port Adelaide. Tickets are available from Mid West Football League and Port Lincoln Football League, and is open for everyone. Ryans acceptance speech and recall of some of his adventures along the way should be worth the admission price plus!
Last Modified on 30/05/2014 10:00