The family has three life members at the club, parents Phil and Joanne, along with son Simon, who is still playing with the club.
Joanne Tomasini, formerly Smith, is the only person at the club to have a dual life membership for what she has contributed to the netball side as well as the football side behind the scenes when her husband was playing.
Joanne has been at the club since 1981, playing in its very first netball side. The team did very well in its first couple of years, making it to a preliminary final.
The club’s netball side gained players quickly, expanding from one team in 1981 to three within the first four years.
Joanne has done plenty for the netball side after her playing days, being the secretary and the treasurer at the club at different stages.
Her partner, Phil, has been at the club for many years as a player, committee member and currently stays involved taking care of the bar at home games.
Phil had a pretty successful playing career, having worn the blue and white jersey for more than 300 games. He debuted in 1976, playing for 20 years and within that time played in three grand finals, winning the 1983 premiership and the club’s last one in 1991.
“I feel very fortunate to be able to play in three grand finals and come out of it with two premierships,” Phil said.
“Especially in recent times at the club and seeing my son who has played nearly 300 games for the club. He hasn’t been able to make a grand final. I just hope he is able to experience the feeling of a premiership before he finishes up.”
Phil’s son Simon started at the club playing for the under-14s. He didn’t play for a couple of years before rejoining the club playing in the thirds and has continued to play at the club to this day.
Simon has played 270 senior games at the club but says that getting to the 300 mark isn’t a priority of his.
“Those things just come, it’s not the motivating factor to go out there and if it is you’re not playing for the right reasons,” Simon said.
“I just play because I enjoy football and the club.
“I aspire to try and win a premiership like my father. Up to this point in my career it’s my biggest disappointment. I haven’t played in a winning grand final and that’s what you set out to do. Who knows what the future holds.”
He says being the captain at the club for four years has been one of his biggest achievements.
The past couple of seasons Simon hasn’t been able to play consistently at the senior level but says he will take his opportunities when they come.
“I just want to play my role for the club to put us in the best position to win,” he said.
“I’ll play wherever they need me for the betterment of the club.
“We are looking forward to this season, as the club is taking responsibility for its fortunes.
“We are craving success and finals at the club. We are putting the right people in the right places to do our best this season.
“As a life member of the club you always want the senior team to do well.”
Simon says his children weren’t playing football or netball just yet but there were plans in the future for them to become the third generation of Tomasinis to join the club.
Tickets to the Girgarre Football Club Centenary Celebration this Saturday are $40 and can be purchased at www.trybooking.com/BYBWJ
The centenary book, titled They're Champions You'll Agree, will be launched on the night and can be purchased at the venue or online.
While on Sunday, the current team will take on Lancaster, with the club also celebrating the 1991 flag with its seniors premiership reunion.
For more information, contact club president Mathew Graetz on 0429 181 269.
