The Peel Football and Netball League will bring the volunteers of its clubs into the spotlight this weekend as they hold their Volunteer Recognition Round.
Much encompasses the tireless and sometimes thankless work of a volunteer at local footy clubs.
Jobs usually consist of early wake-ups, heavy lifting and sometimes battling the bad weather when others would rather not.
This especially rings true for South Mandurah stalwart Bob Scott, who has been working his hands sore behind the scenes at the club since its foundation.
Scott spent the summers of the early 1980s enjoying a few cold ones and the Sunday sessions on offer at Cobblers Tavern.
After these sessions, the pub would close at 3pm and re-open at 5pm.
Not wanting to halt their festivities, Scott and his mates one day grabbed a take-away carton and a bag of ice and headed across the road at the reserve now known as Falcon Oval.
The group decided to start a club for these weekend occasions, and from there the South Mandurah Football Club was born.
Since that day, Scott has worked tirelessly for the club as a player, trainer, water boy, committee member, vice president, interchange steward, team manager, time keeper and canteen worker.
“I’ve done just about everything, mate,” he said with a laugh.
“Every home game I’m here at half past eight to help set up the ground – things like fill in the holes, put the chairs out.”
Scott’s lengthiest stint in a certain role was the 23 years he spent as the club’s trainer.
Strapping, rub downs and getting players right for games were all part of the regime that kept him busy in the change rooms.
“I think I enjoyed that the most. You build a bit of a bond with the players,” he said of the role.
“I mean just being able to be a part of the club is the best part, but certainly that role I did really enjoy.”
In total the blue and gold clubman has worked behind the scenes at South Mandurah for nearly 40 years, enjoying 11 premierships across the colts, reserves and league grades.
But while seeing the flags hanging in the club rooms brings Scott a certain pride, he said the camaraderie and tight-knit family he’s built around the club are what keep him waking up early.
“To be able to celebrate a premiership is fantastic, but we could be on the bottom of the ladder and I’ll still be here,” he said.
“Camaraderie is a hell of a thing, and it’s the family you make here that make it worth it.
“Nowadays I get to watch the sons of blokes I played with run around, which gives you a sense of pride in seeing how far the club’s come.”
When asked how much longer he plans on being at the club, Scott’s reply was simple.
“I’ll be here until the day I die.”