Jim Sandral was well known as a champion footballer but also for his kind and compassionate nature.
The community is mourning the loss of one of its most esteemed members, James Fardel Sandral, known to many as Jim, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 15, 2024, at Corowa Aged Care at the age of 91 years.
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Jim Sandral was born in Corowa on February 19, 1933, the second of seven children to Prosper and Sheila Sandral. He shared his childhood with siblings Maree, John, Peter, Leon, Kevin, and Pauline. Jim's early education began at Sandy Ridges before he attended Marist Brothers Boarding School in Cambelltown.
Jim Sandral and his beloved wife Shirley, who shared 63 years of marriage.
In 1949, Jim returned home to Corowa to work on the family farm, “Myambah,” and joined the Rennie Football Club, showcasing his football skill.
Jim’s remarkable talent on the field led him to play for the Melbourne Football Club in 1956, where he contributed to the team’s premiership win that year.
Jim pictured when he turned 90-years-of-age where he celebrated with family and friends at Corowa Golf Club. Pictured are his daughters and sons: Joanne, Bernadette, Jim, Jim junior and Dennis.
His football career with Melbourne lasted two years, during which he played 22 games and became known for his intrepid play.
In 1957, Jim’s life took a romantic turn when he met Shirley Curran through dancing. The couple married, and together they raised five children: Michael, Dennis, Bernadette, Joanne, and Jimmy.
Returning to Corowa in 1958, Jim resumed his duties on the family farm and took on the role of coach and player for the Corowa Football Club.
His talent and dedication earned him three Morris Medals as the Ovens and Murray League’s Best and Fairest between 1959 and 1965.
Jim Sandral was a renowned legend on the football field. As captain-coach of Rennie he helped lead his team to a premiership in his last game in 1970.
His football legacy continued with a premiership win for Rennie in his final game in 1970.
Jim was not only a football legend but also a devoted farmer and community stalwart. His involvement in various local committees, including West Corurgan, Knights of the Southern Cross, Local Wheat Growers, Coreen Tennis Club, the local Fire Brigade, Rennie Football Club, and the Car Club, highlighted his commitment to Corowa.
Even at the age of 91, Jim continued to tend to a small mob of sheep and cut hay on the family farm.
Jim's passing marks the end of an era for his family and the broader Corowa community.
He was the dearly loved husband of Shirley for 63 years and a much-loved father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Below are some tributes from the football community
“A fine player and an equally fine lad” - Melbourne Football Club
“All involved with the Melbourne Football Club were saddened to hear of the passing of 1956 premiership player, Jim Sandral.
“An acclaimed defender from the Ovens and Murray League, and a legend of the Corowa Football Club, Sandral overcame his hesitation to head to the city when he was recruited by Melbourne.
“Playing his first games for the Demons in 1956, he came into the Grand Final side for the injured Geoff McGivern. The premiership win was Sandral’s fifteenth game, and the review of his performance by the club showed the value of his contribution, stating that:
“Jim gave of his best and concluded a very successful first year with a thrilling game against Collingwood when coming on at half-time as 19th man; he galvanised the crowd with his intrepid play. Jim is a fine player and an equally fine lad.
“Following the 1957 season, Sandral returned to Corowa, having played 22 games and scored two goals in two packed seasons with Melbourne. Back home, he won three Morris Medals as the Ovens and Murray League’s Best and Fairest between 1959 and 1965.
“As captain-coach of Rennie between 1965 and 1970, Sandral had further success, with the team winning a premiership in his last game. In 2013, he became the fourth Legend in the Ovens and Murray League’s Hall of Fame.
“At the end of 2023, Jim Sandral was recognised as a Life Member of the Melbourne Football Club for having played in the 1956 premiership.
“We will long remember him as one of a special group – the ‘Olympic Premiers’ of 1956 – and offer our most sincere condolences to Jim’s family, friends, and former teammates.”
“A true champion and legend“ - Corowa Rutherglen Football Netball Club
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of a true champion and legend of our club - Jim Sandral. Jim is synonymous with AFL/VFL and the Ovens and Murray and Coreen leagues. Winning three Morris medals and five successive Roos club best and fairests throughout his playing career. He was part of the 1956 Melbourne Grand final win. Captained and coached the Corowa spiders for a number of years. Returning to Rennie he continued his success!
“He was inducted into the O&M Hall of Fame in 2005. Our Roos senior best and fairest medal is named after Jim.
“Every year Jim was committed to coming to our presentation night to present the award to our best senior player. He was a constant supporter of the Roos throughout his life.
“We are proud to be associated with such a gentleman of the game. Vale Jim, you will be missed by us all! Condolences to the whole Sandral family.”
“A kind, compassionate and genial man” - Rennie Football Netball Club
“Rennie Football Netball Club and the wider community are mourning the death of club legend Jim Sandral.
“Jim was a four-time premiership player at the Hoppers in 1952, 1954, 1969 as Captain/Coach and 1970.
“He won the club best and fairest in 1953 and 1954 and is a Life Member of Rennie Football Club.
“He won the Coreen Football League best and fairest, the Archie Dennis medal in 1953 and 1954 and was runner up seven times.
“Jim is also a Corowa and Ovens and Murray Football Netball League legend as well as winning a VFL premiership with Melbourne in 1956 as part of his 22 game career. But mostly Jim was a kind, compassionate and genial man.
“We wish the Sandral family our deepest sympathies at this time.”
Mourners pay tribute
Many mourners turned out to pay tribute to Jim Sandral at a Requiem Mass on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Corowa. Black armbands were also worn by clubs around the district including the Melbourne Football Club team to honour Jim Sandral in the Round 19 game against Fremantle on Sunday.
Jim Sandral’s football highlights
164 matches for Corowa
Corowa coach – 1958 and 1959
Corowa Best & Fairest – 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963 and 1964
O&M Morris Medalist – 1959, 1962 and 1964
O&M Team of the Century member – Centre Half Back
Four-time premiership player Rennie Football Club 1952, 1954, 1969 and 1970.
Rennie premiership captain and coach in 1970
Coreen Football League best and fairest, the Archie Dennis medal, in 1953 and 1954 and was runner up seven times
Inaugural O&M Hall of Fame inductee (2005) and later upgraded to Legend (2013)
O&M Representative eight times (player of country championships in the 1955 title win)
22 games for Melbourne in the VFL including a premiership in 1956
