By sports editor Russell Bennett
That cheesy grin from ear to ear, that warm handshake and pat on the back – Wayne Snooks always had a way of lighting up a room, and the world is a darker place for his passing.
‘Snooksy’ passed away suddenly on Saturday morning, just hours before he was due to play in the F Grade side for his beloved Cardinia. It would have marked a staggering 48 years that he’d played at least a game for the Bulls.
His passing, less than a week after he reminisced on the life of his great mate Ian ‘Cambo’ Campbell at the Bullpen the Sunday prior, has sent shockwaves throughout the local community – where he was a revered figure at both Cardinia, and the ROC (now Officer) footy club.
Snooksy was adamant he was going to make it to 50 seasons played for the Bulls, but his legacy didn’t need another chapter. His was already solidified.
A life member, he was inducted into no less than three teams of the decade, and the ‘Team of the 50 years’ at the Bulls’ 50th anniversary gala event last year.
One of the greatest Bulls of them all, he won a host of individual honours – including the 1991/92 A Grade league bowling average.
As a sign of his remarkable longevity, he won Bulls bowling awards in ’77/78 and in ’93/’94.
And on the footy front, he was held in similarly high esteem at Officer (formerly Rythdale Officer Cardinia) and Cora Lynn.
A life member at ROC, too, he was a former player and coach who started his journey with the Rythdale-Cardinia under-17s way back in 1973.
After graduating to the seniors in 1975 and then moving across to ROC, he played 257 games in the famous number 31 – kicking 309 goals.
An opportunist around goal, he won the Reserves best and fairest in 1985 and ’86, and won the West Gippsland senior goal kicking in 1987 with 69 majors.
His coaching journey included the 1988 under-17 flag – the most recent still to this day.
Snooksy was made a ROC Football Club life member in 1992 and in 2002 was named at full-forward in its ‘Team of The First 25 Years’.
Cora Lynn stalwart Terry Dillon also played cricket with Snooksy at Cardinia.
“He was a genuine fella and a high-class sportsman who was universally loved by everyone,” he explained.
“My brother Michael (Dillon) umpired a lot of footy with him.
“He was a great community person and fitted in perfectly at Cora Lynn, where his son Brad was also involved.
“Snooksy was a serious bowler and a very good footballer, but more than that you’d just never hear a bad word said about him.”
Snooksy spoke to the Gazette a little over three years ago at a Bulls life members and sponsors day about just what the Cardinia Cricket Club meant to him.
“I just love the place – I’ll come out and give the guys (players) a bit of guidance on a Thursday, even though they probably don’t listen anymore!” said Snooksy, who turned 60 that year.
Among a flood of well-wishers on Facebook once the tragic news broke was Alan ‘Lefty’ Wright – Snooksy’s former cricket captain.
“I was honoured to be his captain for several seasons and Wayne distinguished himself as a great competitor and a loyal team member at all times,” he said.
“(He was) an opening bowler of exceptional skill, demanding respect with his pace and unerring accuracy.
“He was notably agile as a fielder and as a batsman was known for his capacity for lusty hitting. Wayne had legendary longevity as a cricketer and as his pace slowed, his guile and experience continued to make him a formidable opponent.
“We became life members on the very same day – a proud moment shared.
“Wayne had a winning smile, a ready handshake and welcoming words whenever meeting people. He was both renowned and respected by those who knew him or played against him. I remember him as my go to bowler – things generally happened when Wayne had the ball.”
Leading up to 2021, Snooksy had played at the Bulls every year since 1973 when he moved to Cranbourne and got a job at the Wagstaff abattoir.
From that point on, he was always part of the furniture – and the life of the party.
Wayne Snooks leaves behind his wife Verlinda, children Brad and Jenny and their partners Brooke and Pete, his five grandchildren, and a legion of heartbroken mates.
