MELBOURNE Football Club is saddened to hear of the passing of Ronald ‘Ronnie’ Mather, at the age of 85. 

With more than 20 years of service as Senior Property Steward at Melbourne, Mather was a fixture from the 1980s onwards. 

In 2001, Mather was granted a Life Membership at the Annual General Meeting, an honour only granted to those who have made significant contributions to the club. 

After retiring, his legacy was recognised by the Past and Present Players’ and Officials’ Association naming an award in honour of both Mather and long-time team manager, Spike Harris.  

The Harris-Mather Trophy, which celebrates the Unsung Hero – the player who works hard and does brilliantly without being hailed by the multitudes – was awarded to Harrison Petty in its inaugural year. 

The club extends its condolences to his daughter, Kay, and the extended Mather family at this sad time. The players will wear black armbands in his honour in Round 1 against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday. 

Ron Mather’s funeral will take place at Altona Memorial Park on Monday 18 March, at 12 pm.