Stories about Brad
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From: Leanne (Hardaker) Bergan
Secretary Clovelly Crocodiles JRLFC
Brad's extensive knowledge of rugby league and long history at Clovelly have been a huge asset to the Club. Brad was a very deserving Life Member and was instrumental in the success of our Centenary Gala dinner in 2017. Brad was elected President in 2017 after the retirement of our long serving President Andrew Monaghan. Brad brought his keen business mind to the Committee and with that, successful sponsorship opportunities.
Brad loved the Clovelly Crocs and junior rugby league - it was his passion to the end.
RIP legend!
From: Matt Scott
U6 Blues Coach, Committee, Sponsor
Knowing Brad for over 20 years I have enough stories to write a book 90% of them involving long lunches.
But one he loved telling was the time a few of us went to manly for lunch it was AFL grand final day the plan was to have lunch, watch the AFL then get a ferry home and watch the NRL semi finals at the Cloey.
Somewhere along the line Brad got a phone call from a corporate bookmaker inviting Brad and a few mates to a box at Telstra stadium Homebush and after heated debate Brad decided that we all should go and water taxi was the best way to get there.
1 1/2hrs and $700 dollars later we are dropped on the wharf at Homebush and told by the skipper it’s about a 45 min walk up the hill to the stadium. The abuse that was then directed at Brad was enough to make a sailor blush we were freezing cold and the game had already started.
There was not a soul around and no hope of a cab we start walking abuse flowing. Out of nowhere a van slowly pulls up Brad jumps out in front and tells the two guys driving there is $100 in it for them to drop us at the stadium. Six of us pile in the back of the van that is full of electrical goods these guys were “delivering” to people at 8:30 on a Saturday night. We end up watching the second half of a game none of us were really interested in and finishing the night at the Golden Century.
This was just one of the many adventures I had with Brad since meeting him at the surf club as a kid. We always had a great laugh and you never knew what was going to happen next.
One of the kindest giving blokes I’ve ever met I will miss him dearly.
Kind Regards
Matthew Scott
From: Craig Macdonald & family
Manager U11's
Our journey started in 2013 when a group of 5 year old’s wanted to play rugby league at the Crocs. With no coach Brad offered to take charge of the team and show the ropes with what to do and then would pass the baton to one of the other Dads at season end. Not surprising to most, Brad was still coaching mentoring and giving feedback this year, 2019. Brad devoted endless hours to this little team, he became a Father figure to all the boys and developed an amazing bond with each boy and this flowed right through to the entire support staff and families that were lucky enough to be coached and mentored by him over the last 7 seasons.
Personally I will be forever grateful for Brad's nurturing of my twins Jonathon and Toby who were lucky enough to be coached by him and will always be grateful for his friendship over this time.
A loved saying from my twins: Brad (after a good win) would give a team talk and finish with “HAPPY DAYS“.
RIP Super Coach
Craig, Catherine, Lily, Piper, Jonathon and Toby McDonald.
From: Alan Lewis
President Bondi United
I have known Brad for the best part of 40 years but really got to know him since he became President of Clovelly. My two fondest memories are recent the first was after the Roosters beat South's to make the GF last year we both found ourselves at of all places Randiwix where we attempted to solve all problems Junior League. The second was after the Chooks won the comp a couple of weeks later we were both at the Roosters Presentation night and Brad brought Victor Radley over to say hello we ended up having a couple of beers Brad,Victor,Terry Murphy and myself it was a great gesture by Brad we have a great photo of the occasion.
The Eastern Suburbs and Clovelly have lost a great rugby league man and a even better bloke
From: Clen Aristides
U7 Blues Coach
RIP Mr President.
Only met Brad last year when my son joined the Crocs.
He made us feel at home with the club.
May the Lord rest his sole.
With our deepest sympathies
Savvas & Clen Aristides
From: Craig Raymond
U9 Blues Coach
Brad was always there for anyone in the club and the U9 Blues will keep him in our prayers and thank him for all his help over the years.
Craig Raymond
From: Syd Eckstein
former Club President, Life Member
What a sad day.
I have had the privilege to meet & work together with Brad when taking on the reins at the Crocodiles. He gave himself totally to the club & district of Clovelly. He coached young children brilliantly, with patience, knowledge and care, season after season. It was all about the kids & club. Brad also played for the club during the 70s.
Brad was also the coach of our brilliant U7s team that won the 2001 Tommy Bishop Shield at Cronulla, the 1st & only Roosters team to have done it so far.
I know personally, that Brad had been blown away when he finally received his LIFE MEMBERSHIP at the Clovelly 100 year bash at Randwick Race Course in 2017. It was a long-time coming, but the club held Brad's specifically for this momentous occasion.
Brad had a personality you were drawn to and a major sponsorship organiser for the club. He also helped organise and contact people regarding the clubs 80th, 90th & 100th year celebrations. His knowledge of the history of the club was second to none. Thankfully he passes a lot of that on to others, including myself.
I will be forever grateful for Brad's assistance, commitment and friendship during my years at the club.
He will be sadly missed by everyone, and my thoughts and heart go out to all his family & friends!
From: Andrew Maher
Coach U11's
Brad had an ability to see something in young players that many others would miss. He brought our their best on the paddock and training park but also had a massive interest in how they were developing as young men. He placed great emphasis on old school values of self discipline and manners and his teams thrived under his leadership.
He was selfless with his time and gave so much of himself to the club and particularly to those boys lucky enough to be under his charge. Brad was a firm believer in the old adage that defence wins games and the boys would tackle themselves to a standstill at the southern end of Burrows under his watchful eye.
To the parents in the team he was friend, mentor, dinner and drinking partner and adviser. To the boys he was so much more than a coach- he was a father figure and role model. We were lucky to have him in our lives and our boys have been blessed to have him play such an influential role in their development.
Only a few short weeks ago he joined us at Burrows for our last home game where he sat on the sideline and guided the boys to victory.
He will be sorely missed as a great coach but an even better bloke.
Fred, Andrew, Vicky & Matilda Maher (U11’s)