The Mount Burr United Football Club has acknowledged the recent passing of Ken Bellinger: a former player, coach, president and life member.
Ken has also been fondly remembered at the West Gambier Football Club where he played in their 1971 premiership side and won their best and fairest trophy two years later.
His senior appearances with the Roos exceeded 200 and he represented the then Western Border Football League on many occasions.
He died on Sunday morning after spending the closing years of his life at Boneham Aged Care Services in Millicent.
The retired grazier moved to Millicent around 20 years ago after farming the family property at Mount Burr called Midland Park.
The Mozzies have taken to social media to describe his contribution to their club.
“Ken was the son of Mount Burr’s first ever playing coach Syd Bellinger,” stated the Mozzies.
“Syd coached Mount Burr in 1947 and was one of several members and supporters at the time who made large improvements to the club’s oval and helped bring it to league standards.
“In 1975 Ken joined Mount Burr taking on the dual roles of A Grade Assistant coach and B Grade coach.
“Ken helped the team make the A Grade grand final and was named as best player in the loss to Tantanoola.
“The B Grade however was more successful winning the flag.
“Ken remained as assistant coach in 1976 and was a key part of the A Grade team that defeated Hatherleigh by over 90 points in the grand final.
“The win capped off a successful day for Ken and the Mount Gambier United Football Club with the B Grade also winning and claiming back-to-back premierships for the first time.
“Ken continued to play in 1977 but unfortunately, he was injured in the second semi-final and missed being part of the back-to-back A Grade premierships.
“After finishing his playing days Ken remained a Mount Burr supporter and earned life membership while taking on many different roles including coaching the senior colts in 1989.
“Ken spent many years on the clubs committee and took on the role of president in 1997 and 1998 and played a large part in helping to secure the grants for the club’s modern change rooms.
“‘Ken’s son Jamie is a three time A Grade premiership player at Mount Burr while Shane was a member of the 1996 B Grade premiership team.”