The end of any TAC Cup season for Gippsland Power is automatically tinged with sadness as around half of the squad move on after reaching the ripe old age of 18. Players have been in the club for up to five seasons and they and their family and friends often become very attached to the club as the boys move through the development squads and on to the TAC Cup. In 2006 this feeling of loss is accentuated with the retirement of club stalwart Allan Hoult after being with the club from day one in 1993.
Houltie" came on board originally as a trainer after a long association with the Warragul football club. He was always keen to help to set up structures and operate that developed young football talent and was recognised for the quality of his efforts across the Gippsland football community. He work was acknowledged and celebrated with life membership of the Warragul club as well as the Latrobe Valley Junior league where he rose to the role of president.
In recent years Allan has changed his focus to be the property manager for the club and he threw himself whole-heartedly into this role. His dedication to the role was legendary and it was a rare occasion when anything went missing. The quality of his efforts was recognised by the Power initially with a best clubman award and then life membership in 2005. Allan was always the first to help out if the need arose and not only relished his work with the Power but also assisted the Victorian country under-18 state team for several seasons.
He enjoyed this opportunity to mix with boys from across the state and developed many friendships with boys who are now household names in the AFL. Houltie developed a unique reputation with the staff and players of the Power, state team officials and the hierarchy of the TAC Cup and Football Victoria with an unending supply of chewies, mints and the special lollies reserved for the coaches involved. Typical of the way that he did most things, he would sidle up, slip the appropriate "supplies" to the recipient and be gone before being thanked.
Allan's contribution to anything he committed to is typified not just by length of time but importantly by outstanding quality of his efforts in any area that he was involved in. He has made a huge contribution to the development and ongoing success of the Gippsland Power football club with his no-nonsense approach. Everyone involved in the club will miss having him play such a significant role in a wide range of aspects of the Power. Senior club officials were informally discussing his retirement and it was quickly realised that it was going to require at least two people to adequately fill the very large shoes that represent the work that he does for the club.
Allan will be devoting his new-found spare time to his grandchildren and his rekindled love of horse riding. A "bushie" from way back, Allan will continue to travel into places that the average person never sees and, although not actively involved in the club any more, will be keenly following the programs of the club and hopefully will call in when time allows.
Last Modified on 26/05/2008 12:29
