In that time Mr Hetherington has been a player, club president, orange cutter and time keeper.

Mr Hetherington started playing for the Lions in 1952 and notched up 250 games with the club.

When he finished playing, Mr Hetherington began work on the committee which he has continued to do.

He followed his father’s footsteps and was president of the Warrnambool and District league club for eight years.

He said the role could be quite varied, including time spent cleaning up the change rooms.

Mr Hetherington said when the club first moved to Walter Oval, it made do with two huts from the railway at Dennington for change rooms.

“It’s always been a family-orientated club with good people around,” he said.

“We’re different to the Hampden league.

“But I’d say we’d have as good if not a better following.”

He said the inclusion of netballers and juniors had been great for the league and meant more people coming through the gate.