CHRIS “Crackers” Sheehan will be remembered as a spiritual leader and a “bloody tough player” at the Donnybrook Football Club.
Sheehan, who passed away on Saturday, August 1 when the motorcycle he was riding collided with a tree, has been recalled as a unique man and a great athlete.
Former teammate of Sheehan’s and Donnybrook Football Club stalwart Shane Atherton said the club would not quite be the same without him.
“He was a really unique person and I’ll remember him as a really good athlete,” Atherton said.
“Any challenge that would phase your average person was nothing for Crackers, he seemed to do anything quite easily.”
Sheehan took over captaincy of the football club as it entered a rough stage in its history, but Atherton said he was any easy choice for the job.
“He was the right man to be flying the flag for the club,” he said.
“Chris was extremely good at setting examples for others to follow.
“He wasn’t outspoken and didn’t demand any spotlight, people just followed his lead because he was such a natural at what he did.”
Sheehan began playing league for Donnybrook shortly after the club won three consecutive grand finals.
He played in the 2001 losing grand final before taking over captaincy a few years later.
In his time with the club, Sheehan took out a best and fairest and was named a life member.
Atherton said Sheehan’s ability to read the ball and contest in one-on-one matchups were his main strengths on the field.
“Crackers was a real pillar when he played in defence,” he said.
“He would watch the ball coming in and know exactly where it was going, whenever it went his way we were confident he would beat his man.”
But most of all, Atherton said Sheehan would be remembered as a hard worker and a great mate.
“He was a real farm boy and he worked hard at everything he did,” he said.
“Chris was always there for his mates – he didn’t play footy for glory, he played because he loved being around the boys and around the club.
“People really respected him and he won’t be forgotten.”
