NORTH Shore is mourning the death of the man who laid the foundation for the club’s stunning three decades of success following the death of Max Evans.
Evans, one of six official club Legends, died on Monday night aged 89 after a battle with illness.
Blue and gold coursed through Evans’s veins from birth, with his father Bill widely considered the club’s founder in 1927.
Dubbed “the king of the kids” after founding the North Shore Little League in 1962, Evans’s initiative ensured a production line of talent ready to wear the blue and gold.
It translated into an era where the Seagulls won 13 senior flags across the GDFNL and GFNL in 27 years between 1974-2000
It also provided the starting point for numerous future VFL/AFL players, including Michael Woolnough, Alan ‘Dizzy’ Lynch, Michael and Nigel Kol, Damien Christensen, Wade Chapman and Billy Nicholls.
Evans had been organising matches for several years before the little league’s formation, with matches against Geelong Grammar, Geelong College, St Albans and GWC&FC.
“After the (Second) World War, there was a lull for some years until Norlane started to grow in the late (19)50s and early sixties,” Evans wrote in North Shore’s history book The Seagulls Soars.
“This is when the little league began to take off.”
Evans also served six years as president between 1959 and 64 and in numerous off-field roles.
His contribution is marked not only by North Shore but by the GFNL, of which he was made a life member in 2001.
Former City of Geelong West mayor and local identity Kevin Kirby was among those to pay tribute to Evans on Facebook.
“Very sad news. What a great man for the north, the little league, etc,” Kirby wrote.
“I will miss our chats when we play North Shore.”
Former player Colin Thulborn wrote, “Every young boy who pulled on a jumper in the NSLL Max owes you a debt of gratitude for there (sic) chance to have a game footy.
“Personally will never forget the magnificent sign-up days when there was about 800 kids at Windsor park taking part in all sorts of activities, the combined teams to different venues and interstate, and the bus trips to Melbourne for the SSB (State Savings Bank) little league games.
“Such great memories.”
2001 Mathieson medallist Chris Huxtable also paid tribute; “Sad news. What a champion person he was, always happy and welcoming at North Shore FC.
“As a new recruit, he made you feel at home. As a returning player, he made you feel wanted and respected.
“Sadly missed but not forgotten. His legacy will live on.”
Twitter: @krockfootball
