The AFL community continues to rally around former player Roger Merrett and his family as the fifty year old continues to recover from a serious stroke, almost a week ago.
An inspiration on the field, Merrett has worked just as tirelessly off it running the family business on theGold Coast as well as providing expert opinion to the ABC radio’s weekly AFL coverage.
As the Gold Coast SUNS prepare to enter the AFL competition in just under a month, Club Chairman John Witheriff said the former Premiership player and 313 game player was in the hearts and thoughts of the entire Gold Coast AFL community.
“On behalf of the Gold Coast SUNS, I would very much like to express our concern and well wishes to Roger Merritt and his family. I have known Roger for many years. Apart from being a very decent man, he has been a great contributor to the Gold Coast community. He has certainly been there for the GC SUNS right from the beginning. His advice to me and others has been invaluable and we wish him all the very best.” Said Mr Witheriff.
Club CEO Travis Auld also offered the sympathies of the club and it’s playing list, many of whom grew up idolising 195cm giant.
“Roger Merrett played a huge role in establishing a strong profile for AFL across Queensland through his dogged determination and skill as a player on the field and as a likeable larrikin off it. The AFL community while wide spread is an extremely tight knit group and we hold our heroes and leaders in the highest esteem. My thoughts and the prayers of everyone at the Gold Coast SUNS go out to Roger and his family at this most difficult time.“
Roger Merrett
Born: 19th April 1960
195cm Tall, 100kgs
Played: Essendon, Brisbane Bears, Brisbane Lions
Premiership side 1984, 1985
Played: 313 AFL games kicking 433 goals
