It was a happy time with the announcement made by club co-presidents Rowena Black and Beau Longmire at the day’s awards presentations following good wins in football and netball against Wodonga Raiders; in front of Mr Hosier’s daughters and grandchildren from the Sunshine Coast, Qld.
The ‘recruitment’ to the committee of the man popularly known as ‘Kiwi’ some 17 years ago by former president John Henneman was a masterstroke.
“I was working on the gate and John said we should get you on the committee,” Graham recalled to The Free Press.
Graham has served on the committee ever since, becoming vice president, then seven years as president and is the immediate president of two years before last November’s AGM when Rowena Black and Beau Longmire became the club’s first ever co-presidents. He served a total of nine years in the top job.
“We’ve been through some tough times, the reset, but I’m very excited where we are and our future,” Graham said.
Of his life membership, Graham said it was humbling.
“You don’t serve the club for this, it is nice to be recognised.
“It’s a matter of honour and it was wonderful to have my family down for it.”
Graham’s wife Kerry sadly passed away six years ago. Back in 1982, as a New Zealander, he met his wife-to-be, Corowa girl Kerry Rippingale in London. He followed her back to Corowa and married in 1983.
“The first game I watched Corowa play was in a practice match against Heidelberg and I thought what a stupid game this is.
“I went and played for the Steamers in rugby union in Albury,” he explained.
Graham played at senior rugby level for Petone in New Zealand and won a best and fairest with Steamers.
But the sporting code changed when his brother-in-law, Ray Milne, was appointed AFL coach of Wahgunyah and he played football with the Tigers for two years.
How was the change? “Any football contains the same – you’re chasing a piece of leather, knocking the hell out of someone and you have a beer after,” the sporting convert said.
“But after two years of playing it, I believed it was a brilliant game.
“To play any sport and have the camaraderie is fantastic.”
Ms Black and Mr Longmire spoke in glowing terms about Graham, saying he has been so dedicated and given so much of his time to the Roos for so many years.
Both referred to him “seeing through some very turbulent times over COVID, our reset year and rehabilitating the clubrooms, staying firmly committed”.
“It has been great to work alongside him on the board over the last 10 years, and it is wonderful to see him recognised with a life membership by the wider club community for his commitment to the Roos,” Ro said.
The Roos’ newest life member acknowledges his “grumpiness” at times but he appreciates the respect in which he is held.
“It’s not about me – it’s the footballers and netballers. It’s their club,” the 68-year-old said.
But committee members and volunteers like Graham (Kiwi) Hosier are invaluable for a successfully run club, hence his much-deserved life membership.
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