Anakie is in mourning following the death of club icon Joy Osborne.
The Roos’ No.1 ticket holder, Mrs Osborne’s connection with the GDFNL outfit stretches back more than 60 years, when her husband Jack was a player who featured in the 1967 senior premiership as part of a 300-game career.
Her death comes just days before Anakie dedicates its new social and changerooms to four families that have left an indelible mark on the club – the Osbornes, Lowes, Moores and Tuckers.
“Joy, alongside her late husband Jack, were absolute stalwarts of our club,” a Facebook tribute said.
“While Jack was out on the field, Joy was always there, cheering loudly from the sidelines, working tirelessly behind the scenes in the kitchen, and lending a hand wherever it was needed. Nothing was ever too much for Joy.
“In later years, Joy took immense pride in watching her grandsons pull on the Anakie jumper. And even when they weren’t playing, she was still there every week, cheering on the boys as passionately as ever, whether she knew them or not.
“Anakie will not be the same without Joy Osborne. It saddens us deeply that she won’t be with us this Saturday as we officially name the rooms in honour of the Osborne/Lowe & Tucker/Moore families.
“But we know she will be there in spirit, alongside Jack, watching over the club they loved so dearly.”
The GDFNL also paid tribute to Mrs Osborne, who was the joint No.1 ticketholder of the league alongside her husband from 2017-2021.
“As a league, we were very fortunate to have Jack & Joy as our No.1 ticket holders for half a decade,” a Facebook post said.
“Joy’s dedication to Anakie and the GDFNL left a lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege to know her.
“Our thoughts are with Joy’s family and the entire Anakie community at this time.”
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