He’s still as passionate about the club, among the most unique in Victoria, more than two decades after first walking in the door.

Warrnambool and District league officials acknowledged McGrath’s years of service by awarding him the Logie Watson Memorial Award for volunteer of the year on Wednesday night.

The award is testament to a stalwart of the club whose involvement spans multiple roles, on and off the field.

McGrath (pictured) is a former president, former treasurer, long-serving committee member and canteen and bar worker.

He still plays reserves at age 39, but has no qualms taking up the umpire’s whistle if required.

The life member has also overseen the newly formed Auskick centre at Brierly Recreation Reserve, a program which could yet deliver the next generation of Sharks.

“They listed quite a few things in there. You don’t realise what you’ve done until it actually gets said,” McGrath said. “You do a bit of everything when you’re involved in the club...There isn’t one area.”

Berwick-raised McGrath said he was proud to be involved with the Sharks. His first stint lasted from 1994 to 2001 and included the 2000 grand final.

Travel and work took him away from Warrnambool but he returned in 2008, this time with his family.

“From an outsider looking in, some clubs are judged on success but it’s a little bit more than a football club. It’s a whole new network for people,” he said.