02 Apr East Geelong premiership star remembered as a selfless teammate
East Geelong football coordinator Michael O’Leary has confirmed his club will wear armbands this Saturday in honour of premiership hero Dean McInnes who tragically passed away yesterday.
“Deano was a great bloke and a brilliant and tough player who was instrumental in our drought breaking premiership win against Bell Post Hill by swapping between CHF and the ruck,” O’Leary reflected.
McInnes, who played 12 games (all wins) for the Eagles in 2009, was best known as a member of popular Australian country children’s band “The Mik Maks” alongside his brothers.
The group built a cult following from 2014, particularly in Geelong when performing at ‘Carols By Candlelight’ in Johnstone Park.
They announced the tragedy on social media last night before members of the GDFL community joined his hundreds of fans who also voiced their devastation.
“He would also go back to play a few solo tunes at the club every now and then as well,” O’Leary added.
“He will be sorely missed and the East Geelong Football and Netball Club passes on its condolences to Dean’s brothers Joel and Brian and their families at this tough time.”
Both McInnes and O’Leary helped guide the Eagles’ to their most recent senior premiership when holding off the Panthers by 21-points in the 2009 GDFL season decider.
Current Frankston VFL coach Adam Skrobalak was East Geelong’s playing coach that year, he would also voice his devastation on behalf of the group this morning.
“Dean was a great teammate because he always put the team first,” Skrobalak said.
“His talents were beyond and above the level and he was a key figure in our 2009 premiership.”
“Dean was loved by his family and friends; he will be missed by all and remembered for his selflessness.”
Thoughts go out to the McInnes family & all at the Wickliffe-Lake Bolac FNC.
Deano, was a great fella who was as valuable off the field as he was on it.
R.IP 🖤⚪️🖤⚪️ pic.twitter.com/vhlFnCVVP7— Nick Brown (@nickbbrown) April 2, 2018
By Alex Tigani
GDFL Media (03/04/2018)
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