Tributes flow for bush footy stalwart who lost his cancer battle – after team song serenade

Tributes are flowing for popular bush footy stalwart Jeff Mannix, who lost his brave battle with cancer.

The news comes just days after players from the Balranald Aussie Rules footy club in NSW performed a team song serenade for Mannix on his front lawn.

Mannix was the beating heart of the club, based in the Riverina district for over 40 years, and a life member.

News of his death saw a number of shattered friends, locals and the club pay their respects on Instagram.

‘We are very saddened to hear our beloved life member Jeff Mannix has lost his battle with cancer,’ a social media post read on Saturday from the Balranald Kangaroos.

Tributes are flowing for popular bush footy stalwart Jeff Mannix, who lost his brave battle with cancer

The news comes just days after players from the Balranald Aussie Rules footy club in NSW performed a team song serenade on Mannix’ front lawn after he couldn’t attend a game due to illness

‘The committee, players past and present pass on their condolences.

‘The Roo family has lost one of the greats, who dedicated his life to our club. Rest easy Jeffro.’

Balranald is located nine hours out of Sydney and boasts a population of just over 1000 people. 

Life members like Jeff are treasured in bush footy clubs and without his efforts over the years, there is every chance the Balranald Roos could have folded many times over.

The Balranald veteran was recently diagnosed with cancer and notched up his 63rd birthday on Monday, but was forced to remain at home because he was too sick.

So after another resounding win, the second-placed Roos crammed into a bus and drove to his house to sing the team song and happy birthday outside of his window.

It was a touching moment for the family and all involved at the footy club,’ son Kris Mannix said on Ross and Russel on 3AW.

The Mannix family, Kris, Bella, Renee, Grant and Jeff (right) celebrate in happier days before the cancer diagnosis

Kris Mannix (pictured right) said 22 players plus coaching staff crammed into a 16-seater bus to come and honour his old man

‘After the game 22 blokes jumped in a 16 seater and made it to the front of his house and sung the Balranald team song and happy birthday as well.

‘It was much appreciated from our end.

‘He’s been involved in the club well over 40 years, since he was 19.

‘He’s been the president, secretary, treasurer, I think some years he’s done all three when they have been struggling.

‘He’s done a lot of work so he did deserve that, what happened the other day.’

The video has since gone viral after it posted online by Jeff’s other son Grant and members of the local community.

The club competes in the Central Murray Football Netball League and after some dark years, currently sit second on the ladder.

Grant posted his thanks to the team for honouring his father for all the work he had done to elevate the Roos back toward the top of the ladder.

Grant Mannix (centre) pictured with his dad Jeff and mum Bella. He said without Jeff’s help the club could easily have folded

‘Thanks to all the senior boys that came along to sing the song and pop in for a visit to see Dad,’ he posted.

‘Nothing will make Dad prouder than seeing the club in the position it is now, from where him and plenty of others brought it back from.’

Football fans from the local community and far and wide were quick to praise the actions of the young footy players for their mark of respect to the club legend. 

‘Footy clubs get some bad press at times. It’s great to see some of the good stuff that footy clubs do on display. Well done to this club,’ one viewer commented.

‘My club in my hometown – was a privilege to witness this tribute to a bloody great man- Jeffro The Great,’ posted a local.

‘This is why sports for kids is so important. Not whether they win or lose – but this community spirit and caring for others,’ posted another.