By Gareth Trickey
THE death of Ellinbank senior coach Michael Hamilton will be in the forefront of players' minds today when the side plays league leader Nyora. Article first appeared: 14 July 2007 Herald Sun
Tragedy: Michael Hamilton.
Hamilton died in a car accident on the way to last Saturday's match against Cora Lynn.
The father of two was well known in West Gippsland, having played and coached in the area for more than 30 years.
Hamilton, a life member with Drouin, played more than 200 games for the West Gippsland Latrobe club.
The 47-year-old former police officer transferred to Ellinbank from Warragul Industrials two years ago.
Ellinbank League secretary Peter Gallasch said the tragedy had touched many clubs.
"I've known him for over 20 years and he was a fantastic bloke," Gallasch said.
Last weekend's match against Cora Lynn was abandoned. Assistant coaches Matthew Robertson and Andrew Quirk will take over for today's game at Nyora.
Hamilton leaves behind wife Lauren and sons Luke and Scott.
TRARALGON defeated Morwell by 36 points last week in a game reminiscent of the interclub rivalry of the 1980s.
Morwell gained the upper hand on two occasions in the 1980s to take home Latrobe Valley flags in 1983 and 1985.
But Traralgon responded two years later when it defeated Morwell by 47 points to win the 1987 grand final, 14.18 (102) to 8.7 (55).
Traralgon will celebrate the 1987 victory with a reunion at the clubrooms on Saturday, July 21.
The reunion will follow the senior game against Garfield.