Local Legends: Shaun keeps the Seagulls flying for six decades

Shaun Murrihy has been a loyal Seagull since the day he was born, growing up around the Port Fairy Football Netball Club where his father was a 1958 Hampden Football Netball League premiership player.

You are guaranteed to find Shaun in and around the club on any day of the week, he will be the first person there and one of the last to leave. For every blade of grass on Port Fairy FNC Gardens Oval, Shaun has given his time, maintaining, mowing and marking to keep it in pristine condition.

Shaun started playing football at 10 years of age, rising through the junior ranks and into senior football for a decade before he finished his playing career in the early 90s. In his U18 season, he won the U18 Club Best and Fairest, came third in the U18 League Best and Fairest and was also voted runner-up in a Senior Club Best and Fairest in the years to follow.

Shaun was captain of the Seniors team in 1986, and has won numerous Best Clubman awards, earning himself Life Membership at the Port Fairy FNC.

Shaun’s family have been and still are heavily entrenched in the Port Fairy FNC, with his father Murt a 1958 Premiership player, his mother Marg a loyal volunteer and supporter and his four siblings having also played for the Seagulls.

Shaun’s wife Martina is also heavily involved as a club volunteer, and their four boys – Ben, Sam, Daniel and Lachlan have all played junior and senior football with the Seagulls. Shaun and Martina’s daughter in-law and granddaughters are also heavily involved in the club’s netball programs.

Shaun has held various positions at committee level since 1989, and currently holds the role of Facilities Manager, where he dedicates hours to looking after the facilities and footy oval, even in the off-season!

Over six decades around the club, Shaun has truly done it all for the Seagulls. From selling raffle tickets, working the gate, setting up on game day, cleaning, upkeep of the facilities, umpiring, first aid, running water, coaching, timekeeping, training, serving meals, washing dishes, working the bar, cooking the BBQ and organising fundraising events – Shaun has shown up for his club, week in and week out.

Port Fairy Football Netball Club President Rob Evans said that Shaun's ‘roll up your sleeves attitude’ and willingness to tackle any task, big or small, make him an essential and invaluable volunteer for the local footy club.

“His dedication and hard work set a remarkable example for others, and his contributions over many decades have had a lasting impact on our club and community,” Rob said.

On top of the hours he dedicates to the football club, Shaun is also the Chief Instructor, a Committee Member and a Volunteer Life Saver at the Port Fairy Surf Life Saving Club, earning him a well-deserved Life Membership at the surf club as well.

He is truly an unsung hero of the entire Port Fairy community!

AFL Victoria’s Local Legends initiative aims to recognise the local heroes who are the lifeblood of their local clubs and communities.

Whether it be a coach, player, umpire, local business owner, administrator or volunteer, AFL Victoria wants to celebrate the people who are the backbone of community football clubs. Community football clubs simply could not survive without those who are willing to show up each weekend and make sure that the game goes ahead, crowds are well fed, players are supported and success is enjoyed.

Nominees for the AFL Victoria Local Legends initiative can be anyone who is involved in a community football club in any capacity, whether it be paid or unpaid, directly related to the game or a behind-the-scenes super star, these legends are who make community football what it is.

Do you know someone with a great story like Shaun’s? Nominate them now