It is with great sadness that we learn that Michael 'Pretzel' Holloway passed away today after a short illness.
Mick played all his junior football at South Croydon and in his final year in the under 17's (1970's), played his first senior game against Ringwood. The highlight of the game was a spectacular mark where he was waist height above his opponent and kicked a much needed goal.
The following year he played Seniors all year and it wasn't long before he came under the watchful eye of the Essendon Football Club. He did a pre-season at Essendon and injured his knee in a practice match and missed a season due to the injury and then resumed his career at South as a centre half forward and held that position until he retired.
Pretzel played in Don Busby's 1980 first semi final team in second division (South lost by less than a goal and Bayswater went on to win the second division premiership), Colin Judd's 1983 second division premiership team, Phil Mason's 1988 premiership team and Kevin Collins's (Collo) 1991 premiership team. With Collo's premiership he kicked the winning goal after the siren.
Pretzel was a outstanding team man, player and character of the Club. In 1979 he was the Club's Senior Best and Fairest.
He was a dedicated teacher at Fairhills Secondary College.
Pretzel was very community minded and in 1988 he stood for Croydon Council as a candidate. One of the main issues that concerned him was the sub division of Croydon Park, which the local Councillor was in favor of and of course the lack of quality drainage in the oval at Cheong Park! There were other issues that concerned him as well.
Pretzel also played sub district cricket with Croydon and was an excellent cricketer and was a very handy tennis player. His weight lifting in the gym was legendary and during the summer you would find him down at the Croydon Pool as a lifeguard.
Pretzel coached Juniors at Montrose Football Club and was also a passionate Carlton supporter.
Mick is survived by his wife Lindy and two adult children, Madison, Caitlin and Nick. Our condolences are extended to the Holloway family.
Pretzel you could say was a true character of the 'Cosmos' and will be missed but not forgotten.