Garry Neil Johns
Garry was born into South Mildura, his father, Neil and uncle Alec, both playing for the bulldogs in the 1950’s. These ties to the club ensured Garry would become a bulldog for life.
Garry played his junior footy with South and went on to debut as a senior footballer in 1976. He played senior footy for a further 10 years playing many reserve and senior games during this time. He played off and on through the ‘90’s and a few games in the early naughties whenever the club struggled to field teams, showing his true colours of always putting the club first.
He, the family and his brothers would have been absolutely delighted when the 3, Garry, Peter and Malcolm all played together as senior footballers for the first time in Round 3, 1980. They all played together frequently through to ’84. The last time they were all on the field together as senior footballers was Rd 2 1985.
Garry was a grinning, laughing and joking, mischievous bloke who had time for everyone and was a genuinely a joy to be around but when he played, he had a short fuse with the term “white line fever” often being coined, however this my have been slightly misconstrued as it was loyalty to his team mates and the jumper that set his fierce demeanor on the field. Everyone knew he had their back, and this was true in football and in life.
When he finished playing, he was not finished at the club, helping them out wherever possible, taking on all types of roles within the club but the role where he excelled was as team manager. His role as the 1998 Premiership Team Manager was a very proud moment. He was the backbone of the clubs spirit being front and centre on match days, camping trips, hosting club functions at his house and always welcoming new players to the club, he was its heartbeat.
His dedication to the club on and off the field was rewarded with a Life Membership in 1989, something he has always cherished.
He was extremely proud that his children all played at the club with Nathan & Brendan donning the hoops and Stefanie playing in winning premierships with the netball club.
He was a bulldog through and through and would do what he could whenever he could to help the club. Even in the recent difficult years he was still supporting, hosting, and fundraising for his beloved Club.
The club is indebted to Garry and the Johns family and he will always be held dear in the hearts of the players, committee members and supporters who knew him.
Bulldog for Life
Rest in Peace
