Geelong Advertiser |
THERE was a time when Bell Park premiership coach John Fitzgerald had to ask vocal clubman Gavin O’Shea to tone it down a notch on the bench.
But that outspoken passion and staunch green and white loyalty is what the Dragons community will now miss most after his sudden death on Sunday.
O’Shea, 56, managed the wellbeing of his beloved players against Grovedale on Saturday, just like he did every other weekend.
His catchphrase “every day is fantastic” was heard often.
Bell Park faithful tried desperately to cling to those words when news of his death, due to medical complications, spread the following day.
Tributes, from past and present club affiliates, have since flowed in.
“He was passionate about footy but it was the club environment that he loved,” Fitzgerald, who coached the Dragons from 2007 to 2011, said.
“He had a fantastic loyalty to the club and a real affinity with players, particularly those less talented but who wanted to work hard.”
O’Shea invested his time into player conditioning and injury management. He treated footballers, netballers and juniors.
With his trademark gentle approach, he attended training and recovery sessions on top of his beloved match days.
“He was very vocal off the bench,” Fitzgerald said.
“Being on the bench was his greatest love.”
O’Shea was part of the Ken Hinkley, Dean Talbot coaching eras, and enjoyed the 2003 and 2011 premierships as much as anyone.
Fitzgerald said O’Shea’s gym on Church Street was an unofficial meeting place for players.
“His death is premature and unexpected,” he said.
“He will leave a massive hole at Bell Park but a great legacy in terms of his contribution to health and fitness in Geelong.”
Bell Park president Michelle Gerdtz it was hard to put O’Shea’s importance to the club into words.
“He probably had more of an influence than he realised which makes him even more special,” she said.
“He was the constant positive influence around the club and had a fantastic sense of humour.
“He made everyone feel important regardless of the role they played.”
The club will meet this week to discuss a fitting tribute for the man Dragons co-coach Ben Armstrong said was irreplaceable.
“It’s desperately sad,” Armstrong said.
“I’m not sure we’re going to find another Gavin O’Shea.”
