1 October 2019
Pictured:
1. Britt and son Brodi in 2001. Britt will be sadly missed
2. Kyancutta FC 1986 Mini Colts - Premiers (Le Hunte Football League)
3. Mid West FL 1988 Port Adelaide Cup side. Britt is centre of front row, 'Grocke' creatively spelled in the player listing.
4. Central Eyre FC - 1996 A Grade Premiers
5. Central Eyre FC - 1998 A Grade Premiers
6. Lock FC - A Grade 2002
7. Lock FC - A Grade 2003
8. Lock FC - The Team of the Century
9. Lock FC - Team of the Century Photo
10. Mid West FL Kinlough Cup 1991
11. Mid West FL Mortlock Shield 1997 (Shield Winners)
12. Mid West FL Mortlock Shield 1999
13. Mid West FL Mortlock Shield 2000 (Shield Winners)
14. Central Eyre FC 2007 A Grade Premiers. Britt is front left, brothers also in the team - Martin holding the shield and Aaron top back right, as a trainer
15. In loving memory Britt Grocke 1974 - 2019
Attached below are pdf records of Mid West and SANFL games and honours
Mid West and the football world sadly acknowledges the passing of one of our greats, Britt Grocke. Our sympathy goes out to Britt’s family, extended family and many friends from right across the Eyre Peninsula.
One of the true quiet achievers amongst us, he has impacted Eyre Peninsula football above and beyond. Respected by those who played with him and against him, he has coached across three Leagues, played SANFL, played State Country, multiple premierships and become a mentor for many over his years of involvement.
Britt hails from the famous Grocke family, atop the Koongawa Ranges with a commanding view over the Eyre Peninsula. Brother to Aaron, Belinda, Tracy, Martin and Kerry, Britt shared the common “Grocke Knee” afflicting all brothers through their career at some point, perhaps limiting within reason an ongoing haul of Mail Medals to the family.
Britt played for Kyancutta FC though his junior years, part of the junior colts premiership in 1986, the last year of Kyancutta FC prior to the merge with Warramboo FC to become Central Eyre FC. The first three years of Mid West, Britt played 36 colts matches, kicking 15 goals and representing Mid West as an under 15 in 1988, both the Port Adelaide Cup and May interleague fixture. His first senior match was in 1988 as a 14 year old, B grade and a glimpse of big things to come.
As a 16 year old in 1990, Britt played his first A Grade matches, two games in a strong Central Eyre who would win the premiership that year. He represented at the Kinlough Cup in 1990 and 1991, the later going on to represent Eyre Peninsula/ Port Adelaide at the State Youth Championship, under the watchful gaze of Port talent scouts. Whilst Britt played A Grade all year in 1991, it was to be his last for a while, as Port Adelaide had lured him across to have crack in Adelaide.
Over the period 1992 -1996 at Port Adelaide, Britt played 39 junior level matches (then under 17 and under 19), 50 Reserves matches and two league matches, He returned in 1998 for a period to play an additional 13 Reserves matches. His speed and knowledge of the game developed substantially during this time, with Port Adelaide going through a successful period in the club history, which is prior to their AFL entry. All up 104 games in the famous black and white prison bars.
Britt returned home in 1996, playing the latter part of that year and part of arguably the best Central Eyre side (maybe Mid West side) that has been? Premierships 1996, 1997, 1998 & 1999, then a narrow loss in 2000 to rival Elliston. Five years, five Grand Finals, four premierships at that stage.
Britt won the Mid West Mail Medal in 2000, and also a member of the 2000 Mid West Mortlock Shield winning side, Eyre Peninsula representative taking out state honours and going on to represent in a SA State Country winning side the same year. Probably one of the best season’s had by a Country player, certainly there is not much more than can be achieved by a player in one year!
Expanding his horizons, Britt moved to Lock FC – 2001 to 2003, as a playing coach for each of these seasons. He won the 2002 Great Flinders FL Mail Medal, twice represented Great Flinders, again winning the Mortlock Shield and playing at EP and State levels. Despite only being at Lock FC for three years, his positive impact was honoured by selection in the Team of the Century announced in 2015.
Returning to Central Eyre in 2004, injury was starting to take some toll, and he was spending less time on the ball and more time in defence. He was a key member of the Bulldog 2007 Premiership winning team upsetting the undefeated Hawks at Elliston. Those at the match will have no doubt that Britt was very much in Best on Ground calculations, playing deep in defence, applying his tactical know how to shut down their highly favoured opponents.
In 2008, Britt left his Central Eyre home, heading to the Far West Football League, firstly to Blues FC as a player then as a coach until 2013, moving to Koonibba FC in 2014 to assist in various roles, runner, assistant coach to more recently as their 2019 A Grade coach.
As a player and official, Britt will be fondly remembered by everyone who knows him, a cheeky smile and ability to relate to everybody, from the youngsters to the oldies. He was a talented carpenter and enjoyed his trade.
In Mid West, he played 115 A Grade games, six grand finals, five premierships, astounding success no doubt, but the highlight to beat this was returning on 22 July 2017 to play an A Grade match with his son Brodi at his home Kyancutta Oval. The Bulldogs won by 20 goals that day, and Britt proudly shared this rare and memorable feat.
Britt will be missed by all, his parents Christine and Wayne(dec’d), his wife Rachel, his brothers and sisters Aaron, Belinda, Tracy, Martin, Kerry and their families. His children Jaymee-Lee, Brodi, Hudson, Lara and Tammazin, grandchildren Amaliah and Noah, former partner Mel. Britt has been an unforgettable friend and mate to so many and we respect all that he has done in his time cut too short.
Rest in peace Britt!
Last Modified on 01/10/2019 23:47
