It would be hard to find a more revered figure in the game than a coach that takes so much pride in his club, he mows its home ground.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Colin Lockhart's devotion to Lilydale extends past just the hard calls from the bench on matchday Saturdays.
"A couple of us love to do a bit of ground maintenance as well," Lockhart said.
"I'm out there mowing the oval. I don't mind it because I treat it as my own little park.
"They always laugh when I try to put attractive mowing lines just like it's the MCG."
The 52-year-old has been a popular winner of the senior coach of the year at AFL Tasmania's community awards.
Lockhart, who does largely ignore social media, found well-wishes flood in congratulations over the honour.
"I'm only going to accept this as part of the club, the town, the people because if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be there," he said.
ELSEWHERE IN SPORT
Lockhart makes the drive with little fuss from Invermay to training and home games.
The senior firefighter for 31 years is forced to juggle shift work on some weekends and nights, but still finds time to set up plans in his absence.
"When I went out there four years ago, they wanted me to coach then and I said I didn't want to," he said.
"I said I wanted to help because they were in a bit of trouble; not financially but just about attracting players.
"I said to them we had to get a local lad to do that."
Lockhart tempted Lilydale favourite Thane Bardenhagen back. The pair guided the Demons to two premierships since that included the 2019 NTFA division 1 triumph.
That came off the back of securing 20 players from Lilydale District High School.
That community spirit is unheard of to get old mates to stick around a bush club.
"It is in this current climate rare," Lockhart said. "We hardly pay them, but they just come and have a ball."
Darrin Geard took out the AFL Tasmania all-abilities volunteer of the year for his work with Tasmania at the national inclusion carnival.
The performance of the Tasmanians improved under his commitment, dedication and coaching demeanour.
"I find it very rewarding to engage with players that do have a disability who love the game of football and want to play football," Geard said.
Geard's feats in his first year in charge extended to being named assistant coach of the All-Australian side.
But the former Launceston Football Club general manager said it has been the players that have imparted a lesson or two on him.
"Certainly to go away, win some games, see the passion, the excitement and singing the song, it's been a wonderful experience," he said.