The VAFA community is in mourning after the passing of Life Member Peter Rhoden.
Peter was a star sportsman at Xavier College – a member of their 1955 APS Football premiership – and was a highly regarded player at both ends of the ground.
He graduated to play 60 games with Old Xaverians and was an outstanding contributor until injury forced him into premature retirement.
Fortunately, he wasn’t lost to the game and went on to provide a lifetime of service from the other side of the fence.
He coached Old Xavs from 1962 to 1968 (including a B-Section premiership) and led the club into its first A-Section Grand Final.
Such was his coaching acumen that Peter was appointed VAFA Representative Coach in 1962, 1963, and 1973. He served in that role with great distinction and was also a Big V Selector.
A couple of months ago, the Old Xaverians’ Men’s Senior Coach’s trophy was fittingly renamed the Peter Rhoden Medal.
Lovingly known around the club as Porky, Peter’s incredible service to Old Xaverians also included a 15-year term as a Committeeman and two years as Honorary Secretary, earning him Life Membership of the club.
He directly contributed to the VAFA in various capacities as well, including a remarkable 40-year stint as a Tribunal member:
“With Peter’s passing, the VAFA community has lost a valued life member and truly loyal servant who contributed over 40 years of his life to voluntarily supporting our Amateur competition, following his playing and coaching exploits with Old Xaverians FC,” said VAFA Chief Executive Officer, Jason Reddick.
“Our deepest condolences are with his family and all his VAFA colleagues who shared his journey.”
Awarded Life Membership of the VAFA in 2009, Peter epitomised the mantra of ‘For the Love of the Game.’ Much loved throughout our community, he will be sorely missed.
“The VAFA Life Members’ Association is mourning the passing of Life Member Peter Rhoden,” said VAFA Life Members’ Association Secretary, Phil Stevens.
“Peter, although his health was declining, regularly wrote to our president Nick Bourke and myself fully supporting the LMA initiatives and thanking us for keeping life members up to date with VAFA news. My last email was from Peter on the 7th of this month.
“We extend our condolences to Peter’s family and the Xavier community he represented so passionately.
“Peter epitomised the traits of a VAFA life member – conspicuous and continuous service to the VAFA itself over a long period of time.”
The Funeral Mass for Peter will be held in the Xavier College Chapel on Thursday December 5 at 11am.
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