Footy clubs are full of characters. From the funny to the feisty, the crazy to the quirky, there’s one type of guy that everyone loves – the all-round good bloke and that’s how Troy will be remembered.

We started our careers together over 20 years ago at the Bears and right through to the last time I saw him, only a few months ago, he remained the same energetic, enthusiastic guy who had a bounce in his step, a smile on his face and gave everyone the time of day.

We’d spent the best part of three or four years playing together at the Bears and I’d also played against him in the South Australian league when he played for West Torrens.

He wasn’t the most physically intimidating player on the field, but he never shirked an issue. For a bloke his size, he had a massive crack. He played as an on-baller/winger and had great skills, but more importantly he was a team player; a genuine clubman.

You never saw him without a smile on his face. He was loved by all and wouldn’t have had an enemy in the world.  It’s a tragic loss.

He got involved with everything around the club and was largely responsible for introducing the player revue, which became an annual event at Brisbane. Together we had struck up the idea of bringing along the fans and supporters while all the players put on acts. It proved a huge success.

Troy was a handy bass guitarist, and we joined forces on these nights to form a band and belt out some classic rock ballads. They were always sensational nights and definitely some of my fondest memories of Troy.

I’ve got many great memories of our time together at Brisbane, whether we were sharing the footy field or the stage. It was great to reminisce on these times with Troy recently – twenty years on from the year we started our time at the Bears in 1991.

It was late this season where I spent some quality time with Troy at the Gold Coast v Richmond game up in Cairns (his home town). We spent the night laughing and reminiscing about what had gone on all those years ago. It’s a memory I’ll hold dearly now because it was the last chance I got to spend quality time with him.

Post his career the legacy and contribution Troy has made to the game, particularly in Queensland, cannot be underestimated.

He had a wonderful football brain, and after he hung up the boots he coached in Tasmania, before coming back to Queensland and getting involved with the QAFL. He was a hard worker and quickly climbed the ladder there, and recently became the state development manager, which was great recognition of the significant role he had played in developing
strategies to grow the game in Queensland.

I was shocked when I heard the news and it’s given me time to reflect on the great moments we shared together – and many will do the same at his funeral service which will be attended by people from right around the country who have had the pleasure of meeting Troy along the journey.

I’ll remember him as a man who was always vibrant and lively, with a spring in his step. He always tried to get people up if they were down, and everybody who came across him enjoyed his company. He will be greatly missed.

Troy Clarke passed away on Monday night, aged 44. The AFL Players’ Association offers its sincere condolences to Troy’s family and all those mourning his passing.