It is with sadness that we learned today about the passing of a club legend Kevin Green. The following beautiful sentiments are provided by another club legend Daryl Stephens:
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VALE KEVIN GREEN – ‘SCFC’S BEST EVER RECRUIT’

It was after the last practice match in 1973 and we were enjoying a BBQ among the gums at Cheong Park. In the Club’s fourth year we had made the 4 and with a couple of good off-season signings we had secured some more good players (including Peter Gibb from Surrey Hills) and now our president had taken Kevin Green away from the crowd to “talk”.

Now Kevin was very highly credentialed; in 1972 he was captain coach of East Hawthorn who had won First Division EDFL after being admitted to the league the previous year in Second Division, which they had also won. Kevin was also a multiply B&F winner with East Hawthorn but he had been living in their new home in South Croydon for four years. We saw our president and Kevin shake hands and when they returned to the group, our president proudly informed everyone that Kevin Green had agreed to play with South Croydon.

Kevin was a centreman who ranged to all parts of the ground, attacked the ball vigorously (and fairly) and drove long drop kicks into our forward line. In 1973 he won our B&F and was a member of SCFC first premiership team. There were some setbacks along the way; Kevin did a hammy in our 2nd semi and making every effort to be right for the GF even tried acupuncture. However, he still wasn’t fit for GF but fate dealt us a drawn game and he made it back at full forward for the replay, which we won by a couple of points.

Kevin was appointed senior playing coach for 1974, 75 and 76 seasons which were tough years for our young club because the league deemed Cheong Park not up to second division standard. The good news was that the council agreed to level the oval and the bad news was that it took them 3-4 years and so the club had to play at both Nth Croydon and Town Park. In 1974 SCFC made the finals in Second Division to be in the top 16 EDFL teams after only 6 years. Kevin again won the B&F in 1976 and decided to step down from coaching but continued as a player for the next two seasons after which he retired from playing and in 1980 coached the reserves to a premiership.

Around this time Kevin coached both Under 9 and 11 teams on a Sunday morning for a couple of years. There were many ex-players at last Saturday’s reunion that started their playing careers with Kevin and he was an excellent coach who encouraged boys and always had a word of praise.
Kevin was then a selector and assistant to the new senior coach David Craig for his two years and again with Colin Judd when the 1983 team won the club’s second premiership. All three coaches, Buzza, Craigie and Juddy were most appreciative of having Kevin’s knowledge and experience on their bench.

Kevin then took up a place on the committee and in 1988 was club president when Phil Mason’s team won our third premiership. Kevin remained on the Committee for a couple more years then enjoyed a few years as a club supporter until Kevin and Maureen shifted to Gordon. He maintained a strong interest in SCFC and enjoyed meeting up with past players. Kevin never smoked or drank alcohol but that didn’t stop him mixing with people who did. He was quietly spoken, always looked for good in people and was modest regarding his achievements.

Two weeks ago, Kevin was at home on Saturday night watching his beloved Tigers and remarked to Maureen at quarter time that he thought the Tiges were in with a chance. Tragically when she returned to the room, Kevin had suffered a severe stroke and although admitted to Northern Hospital he never recovered and died last Sunday.

Kevin contributed to the SCFC for over 20 years and in that time he was;
• Best and Fairest 1973, 1976
• Senior Captain Coach 1974, 75 and 76
• Reserves Captain Coach 1980 Premiers
• Assistant coach/selector 1977 to 1983 Premiers 1983
• Committee 1984 to 1990
• President 1988 Premiers
• Junior Coach 1980’s
• Life Member 1980

Kevin Green was responsible for laying the foundation for a successful South Croydon Football Club. Thank You Kevin, we will miss you and may you Rest in Peace.

Our thoughts are with Maureen, Craig, Ashley and families.

Mail address: 13/33 The Elms Boulevarde, Kilmore 3764
Funeral Arrangements: Joyce Chapel, Fawkner Memorial Park, 1187 Sydney Road, Fawkner, Friday July 22nd at 10-15am