The Standard | South Warrnambool will honour the husband and wife combination this year, anointing them its joint number one ticket-holders at its season launch last night.
The Sloanes have been staunch supporters of the Friendly Societies’ Park-based club for more than three decades.
Together they’ve played a role in the background — Ian as property steward and Maureen as primary uniform washer.
“It’s been a team effort right through,” Ian said of their commitment to the Roosters.
Their connection with South Warrnambool started in 1973.
Three years later Ian become property manager — a title he’s owned for all bar a six-year period when he was on the Hampden league board.
Maureen washed the jumpers — all 62 of them — until 2006 and still helps out.
Ian, a former umpire, said he loved the club and being involved.
“Three weeks ago I was 84 and I don’t want to do it until I am 100,” he said.
“But this is the interest I’ve got, being a retired person.”
The couple were married on Boxing Day “and we’ve been boxing ever since”, Maureen said. “And I haven’t won one bout,” Ian joked.
Maureen, 75, said she was humbled South Warrnambool had seen fit to honour them.
“I am embarrassed. I totally am because I don’t look for limelight,” she said.
“I am the silent partner as they call it, and stay in the background, but it is an honour. I appreciate that.”
