Russell Wynwood signed with Yeoman Football Club in May 1968, in the month of his 20th birthday. He had just returned from an 18 month stay with his parents, who had gone to live in Queensland. By chance, on the very day of his return, he met a couple of mates at the Burnie bookmaker’s outlet. They invited him to Yeoman’s match that afternoon at Elliott.
He played his first game for the Robins the following Saturday. Over a decade and a half, Russell notched up another 195 games for Yeoman. Add the 4 he played for Sprent when they were short in the Reserves and you have a neat double century.
During his playing days, Russell was an active working member of the Club. After retiring, he stayed on, spending many years on the Club Committee on and off - on again at the moment. But it is fair to say, given his aversion to meetings, that his greatest contribution has come from his work away from the limelight. All those aware of how much is involved in the running of any football club will appreciate how vital is the effort that comes from stalwarts such as Russell. And we can only guess at the amount of funds that have come to the Club from his organisation of wood chopping and other activities.
Despite his dislike of meetings, Russell has volunteered to act as Yeoman’s representative at the Association level. He has served more than one such stint as Club Delegate, including for the first 4 years after our move to Wivenhoe. In addition, he has been a worker for the Darwin during Finals, regardless of whether or not Yeoman was still involved.
Fifty years of service qualifies Russell Wynwood, as the longest serving of the present members of the Club, to be an inaugural inductee to the Yeoman Football Club Legends of Loyalty.
Russell Wynwood passed away on the 2nd April, 2021 at the age of 72. Vale Russell and thank you for your immense contribution to the Yeoman Football Club.
Read President Shaun O'Neill's tribute to Russell here:
Vale Russell Wynwood