By Tate Papworth
Football clubs are built around characters.
The Braybrook Football Club has been blessed with some great characters in its 145 years – including legends such as Ted Whitten and Doug Hawkins.
One name not as widely known is Shawn Marion.
Shawn never played the game at the highest level, but he gave everything he had for more than two decades at the club he loved.
Sadly, Shawn’s life was cut short late on the evening of August 10.
Shawn was struck by a car as he crossed Ballarat Road, making his way home from a day at the club.
Braybrook Sporting Club president Bryan Patten said it was a loss that’s shaken the club.
“Shawn was one of those guys that whether you knew him 10 years or five minutes, it felt like you’d known him forever.
“He will be missed by all. There’s a big gap left without him, but he’ll be remembered forever.”
Mr Patten said Shawn was the ultimate clubman.
“He’d been down here for at least 20 years, he was one of those blokes that was always down here.
“He played footy, but he loved to come down for a beer and even volunteer – he was always happy to umpire, fill in at the last minute or man the canteen. I coached him last year. It’s true he was always keen to volunteer, but he wasn’t big on training.
“He loved an excuse for why he couldn’t train, then he’d ring you on Friday night and ask if he was in.”
In a mark of respect, the club has now renamed the canteen after Shawn.
However, he was more than a clubman. Shawn’s sister Virginia said he was the best brother, uncle and son a family could ask for.
“He looked after everyone. He had such a special relationship with mum,” she said.
“He was just the best guy. He’d give you his last five dollars, that’s the type of guy he was.”
