Community Legends: Brian & Lorraine Cloney
During this time they were heavily involved with the Bangor JAFC where BC was the President at one stage and Lorraine was the Canteen Manager.
During this time BC also held various roles with the Association.
The Cloney’s first involvement with the Southern Power (formerly the Sutherland Sharks, then Southern Sharks) was way back in 1997 when one of their sons, Stuart, started playing senior football with the club.
Since their first involvement with the club in 1997, BC and Lorraine have been one of the few constants at the senior club which continues to this day.
Of note, the Cloney’s have remained at the club long after any of their sons finished playing football which is a testament to their dedication and commitment to the club.
Lorraine has been the club’s Canteen Manager for the majority of the past 20 years spending most Saturdays behind the canteen in the Bob and Nan Loveday pavilion at Gwawley oval (with plenty of assistance from daughter Elise) as well as filling other club and team roles when required.
Throughout this time she has been a trusted adviser and club person, and someone the whole Southern Power club holds in very high esteem.
BC himself hasn’t sat idly by, having filled just about every committee and club role there except President during the past 20 years (including his current role as Vice President).
For the majority of the last 10 years he has been the ever reliable ground manager and does this with aplomb, and is well known throughout the league with visiting clubs.
For the last two years BC has worked very closely with current President Lauren Hodgson and the club wouldn’t want to have it any other way.
His knowledge, advice, guidance, and support has been immense and the club is indebted to him for that.
The Cloney’s have always been amongst the first to get to the ground each match day morning (after already stocking the canteen on a Friday afternoon) and last to leave, and do so without fuss or request for thanks.
BC and Lorraine are held in such high regard that four years ago the Southern Power committee voted unanimously to name their most prestigious club awards, the Club Man and Club Woman of the year awards after them – the ‘Brian Cloney’ Club Man of the Year and the ‘Lorraine Cloney’ Club Woman of the Year.
An apt honour for these two club treasures.
Brian and Lorraine are truly genuine people who have shown commitment, passion and care for the club and their members over the best part of the last two decades.
BC and Lorraine are rightfully Life Members of both the Bangor JAFC and Southern Power AFC and without them both, the Southern Power wouldn’t be the club they are today.
Each week during the regular season AFL NSW/ACT will identify and recognise a local Community Legend from one of our community Leagues. Volunteers play a vital role within our game and without them community football simple doesn’t happen.
AFL NSW/ACT would like to thank all of our community volunteers for their ongoing commitment to our game.
