Essendon champion Paul Vander Haar has paid tribute to best friend Merv Neagle ahead of this week’s special Tribute Dinner.
The Dick Reynolds Club will be hosting the Merv Neagle Tribute Dinner on Thursday night at the Grand Hyatt, in honour of the former premiership player who passed away almost a year to the day – leaving behind wife Donna and his six children.
Vander Haar played 201 games for Essendon between 1977 to 1990, while Neagle played 147 games between 1977 to 1985.
Vander Haar reflected fondly on their shared love of life and football.
“Our friendship started back in 1977 when we were both recruited to Essendon before we played nine years together at the club. When he moved to Sydney we still kept in contact and caught up a fair bit,” Vander Haar said.
“Then, after retirement there was 22 years of friendship where we spent a lot of time together and went on trips which eventually became family trips with his four boys and my little bloke.”
“It wasn’t just the football connection but it was life after footy as well. I got to see a fair bit of Australia with Merv when he travelled around.”
“We always had that close connection of friendship after footy and now unfortunately that he has passed away, we’re trying to help Donna and his four boys and help them through life.”
Essendon teammates including Vander Haar, Terry Daniher, Paul Salmon, Mark Harvey, Mark Thompson, Simon Madden and his former Sydney teammates Tony Morwood, Gerard Healy, Anthony Daniher, Paul Kelly and Barry Mitchell will all be present on the evening. Many of Merv’s adversaries including Dermott Brereton, Robert DiPierdomenico and Doug Hawkins will also be in attendance.
It will be a night of great entertainment, big surprises, inspiring footy yarns from the great story tellers, heartfelt fare, plenty of auction items and raffles, with all proceeds going to the “Neagle Family Trust”.
Only limited tickets now remain for Thursday’s event.
Date: Thursday 22 August, 2013
Venue: Grand Hyatt on Collins Street, Melbourne.
Time: 6.30pm for 7.00pm start
Price: Premium ticket $325 (includes; the opportunity to be hosted with a famous football identity prior in premium seating and an exclusive memorabilia piece.)
Standard ticket $195
Click here to purchase your tickets today.
