The Mayne Football Club would like to acknowledge the recent passing of Bernie Stapleton, dual Premiership player, Club President, Junior Coach and dedicated volunteer. Bernie sadly succumbed to multiple brain tumours at 75 years of age.
Bernie will be remembered as one of the youngest Presidents to have served the Tigers but he was so much more having also been a talented player during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
Bernie signaled his coming of age in the Colts teams of 1964 and 1965 by taking out the Best and Fairest in both years, the second of which he was the team Captain. Such was his form in 1965 he was the runner up in the Clem Ryan Medal, the competition Best and Fairest Award.
In 1966 he went on to be a Senior Premiership player alongside his older brother Barry, a natural progression for a hugely talented 19 year old. Bernie was part of the all conquering Tigers going back to back in 1967 achieving the club’s fourth premiership from seven straight deciders marking an extraordinary period in the Tigers history.
Bernie was a wonderful volunteer and servant of the club that he loved going on to serve as Club President in 1975 and 1976 at just 28 years of age during another wonderful period for the club where it was as successful and financial as any time in the club’s history.
During his time as President and with the club on the rise he welcomed numerous players from the south including many talented Tasmanians who remember fondly how they were welcomed by Bernie to the Tigers and the many things he arranged to make their move to Brisbane that much easier.
He was also a very talented junior coach where he enjoyed the respect of his young players. He coached the Mayne Under 15’s in 1974 to a Grand Final only missing out on another premiership by five points. Players from this team remember him as an engaging mentor and leader who knew what it took to inspire teenagers to get the best out of themselves. He was typical of the many senior players of the day devoting their time to coaching future Tigers.
Bernie will be fondly recalled by his many team mates as a tough competitor but also a person who enjoyed himself and thoroughly engaged in all the fun of their times.
A celebration of Bernie’s life will be held this Friday 10th March 2023 at 10.00am at Somerville Chapel, 129 Nerang Broadbeach Road, Nerang.
The Mayne Football Club extends their heartfelt sympathy to Bernie’s family and friends at this sad time.
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