Weekly Times | THE start of a new football season should be a joyous occasion, but the absence of the much-loved 34 Mallee Eagles jumper on Saturday could not be forgotten.
Players from both the Mallee Eagles and Tyntynder Football clubs, family, friends and supporters paused at the start of the Central Murray Football League season to remember Jaron Bennett, who died in February aged 25.
Bennett was taking part in a training camp in Lalbert when he collapsed, and although he was rushed to hospital in Swan Hill, he could not be revived.
He was survived by his wife Tiff, son Luca — who was seven weeks old when Bennett died — parents Gordon and Nola, and siblings Braidon and Kyra.
On Saturday in a service held before the start of the senior match Bennett was remembered as a caring, loyal, respectful man who would take the time to engage with everyone at the club.,
The club launched the Jaron Bennett Family Appeal which will raise money for Tiff and Luca, and a family day fundraiser will be held on June 28.
The Mallee Eagles awarded Matt Whelan the inaugural annual medal in Bennett’s name for the club’s most determined reserves player in the season opener.
Braidon Bennett captained the Eagles to a 15.6 (96) to 8.15 (63) win over the Bulldogs.
Roger Bett, a club executive committee member for the past four years, and his wife, Wendy, the club's netball president, knew Bennett for years both through the club and their families.
“He’s just a wonderful human being and it’s tragic for the club,” Roger said.
Mallee Eagles playing co-coach Tyson Mihocek said Bennett had been a “big leader at the club”.
“He’s going to have a big impact for us when he’s not out there (on the field),” he said.
“Off the ground there’s a lot of blokes that are probably thinking to themselves I’ve got to get out of my shell now and show that they have the same amount of passion for the club that he had.”
Steve Cameron, who employed Bennett through Agrivision, said: “He always had this ability to engage with you very quickly and he was never intimidated by title or office or seniority; he just quickly conversed with you and made you feel very comfortable.”
● To donate to the appeal go to any branch of NAB. BSB: 083-004, Account: 24-316-2936, Jaron Bennett Appeal
