Scores of well-wishers and past teammates packed Cheltenham Football Club's social rooms last Sunday to pay tribute to a local sporting legend.
When they arrived, they were entering the Cheltenham Recreation Reserve, but when they left, they were leaving the newly named Jack Barker Oval.
The ground where the Rosellas have strutted their stuff since 1909 will now carry the name of one of their most beloved sons. Jack Barker, father of late St. Kilda champion Trevor, is a life member of both the cricket and football clubs and Sunday's honour came after a concerted campaign by the two clubs to have their hallowed turf named in Jack's honour.
And despite a recent bout of ill-health, Jack was back at his favourite haunt, watching the Rosellas' practice match against Ringwood from his usual seat at the window.
"When they said they weren't going to name it after me until I died, I thought 'Oh well, I won't see it happen', but I'm lucky enough to be here and it's a great thrill", said a grinning Jack after the formalities had been completed.
The St. Kilda Football Club was there in force for their old mate, with CEO Archie Fraser and President Greg Westaway accompanying a large group of senior players that included captain Nick Riewoldt and duel Brownlow Medallist Robert Harvey.
Describing our local sporting clubs as being fundamental to our sense of community, City of Bayside Mayor, Cr. Andrew McLorinan said it was people like Jack who acted as "the glue that binds these community values together".
Cricket club life member Col Anderson and football club stalwart David Selleck spoke of Jack's magnificent service to their respective clubs over the past eight decades.
Although still recovering from an extended hospital stay, Jack displayed his characteristic stoicism when he stood and delivered and entertaining and emotional reply to his tributes.
Jack signalled out his wife Evelyn, the Cheltenham Football and Cricket Clubs and his many mates for their support over the years.
He also paid special tribute to Robert Harvey for his unstinting friendship and support.
Jack played a record 400 games for the Rosellas in the powerful Federal League and served as the league's assistant secretary from 1956 to 1973.
Last Modified on 16/04/2008 12:55