For the love of the game - Gavin Lugg

As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, Anglesea legend Gavin Lugg says he's not going anywhere.

By Ben Andonoudis

Without volunteers, local sport wouldn’t exist.

According to the Australian Sports Commission, there are an estimated 2.9 million Australians who give up their time to volunteer in sport.

No matter whether the sun is shining, the rain is hammering down on them, they will still give their time. They’re the faces you see working the sausage sizzle, manning the entry and keeping track of time in the timekeepers box.

For one Anglesea stalwart, that task of timekeeping has been his passion.

Anglesea's Gavin Lugg has spent more than 1000 games behind the clock. In those 1000 games he’s seen the club grow and develop into a powerhouse of the BFNL.

Lugg involvement with Anglesea stretches back to 1987, after purchasing a business which at the time was the major sponsor of the club.

"I always like to be doing something,” Lugg said. "I was treasurer for 16 years as well as timekeeping, I've been on the committee as well over the years.

“I also was president for six months."

A native of the nearby Freshwater Creek, Lugg had been around footballing circles for a while.

Prior to his time at Anglesea, he was involved with Geelong's under 19s.

One of his passions in his time in football has been the under 18s, which he always makes sure to watch.

“I love watching, and I've always loved watching under 18s, because I reckon they've got nothing to lose," he says.

They're hard, but they do everything right."

Over four decades, Lugg has watched multiple generations of players come through the club. For him, it’s not the milestones or recognition that are highlights.

“Watching the juniors come through and play senior football is a big thrill for me,” he believes.

While wanting to continue volunteering, Lugg knows that there will be a time when he can no longer be involved and others will have to take his place.

“[That] just depends how the health goes," he says. "I missed the last set of games last year and that included the finals.

I enjoy the football; I can go to any game of football and watch it."

After more than 1000 games, Gavin still turns up for the same reason he did in 1987: the love of the game and the desire to help his club thrive.