It’s with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of past player, best-and-fairest winner and life member Tom Cleary after a battle with illness.

A dominant ruckman, Tom came to the club in 1986 when he moved to the local area, having already forged a brilliant career at Bunyip FC and Garfield FC. Tom had a reputation as a star and quickly lived up to that at Mulgrave, winning the Senior Best & Fairest in his first season and becoming a huge figure on the field in every sense of the word. His best and fairest win came on the back of three straight B&Fs at Bunyip (1980-82) and another three straight at Garfield (1983-85) - seven senior best and fairest awards in seven seasons. Tom also won the League Best and Fairest in the West Gippsland FL in 1983 and 1984.

Tom retired as a player in 1993 and joined the Mulgrave committee, remaining active around the club post his playing days. He was as loved off the field as he was on it, with his laidback demeanour and dry sense of humour making him a favourite of players and supporters. He received our highest individual honour, life membership, in 1995.

We have already received a number of tributes to Tom...

“Our great mate, B&F winner and legend of our club. RIP Tommy, we luv ya. Love to all his family. Sadly missed.”

“A gun player and even better bloke.”

“Shattered. What an unbelievable bloke, there will never be another like him.”

“A serious once-in-a-lifetime personality. I feel so privileged to have played with him.”

Tom clearly meant a lot to many Mulgrave people and his legacy at our club is secure, just as it is at every club he played for. Our players will be wearing black armbands in Round 1 in remembrance of Tom.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.

Rest In Peace.

Funeral details

Friday, 31st January, commencing at 1:00pm.

Bunyip Football Club
Bunyip Recreation Reserve
80 Nar Nar Goon - Longwarry Road
Bunyip

Tom's funeral will be livestreamed for those who are unable to be there. Click here to view the livestream or to leave a tribute to Tom.