CURRUMBIN AND NORTH BURLEIGH PUMPED FOR 'ADAM NEVILLE MEMORIAL' AFL FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY
September 2: The Surf Life Saving season "unofficially" kicks off tomorrow night (Friday, September 3) with the annual Adam Neville Memorial AFL showdown between the Currumbin Vikings and North Burleigh Surf Clubs.
The event now in its eighth year is played in memory of Adam Neville, one of Australia's most respected young surf lifesavers who died suddenly in October 2001 aged 24.
The game will for the first time be contested under lights at Burleigh Waters Park with the opening bounce scheduled for 7pm.
Currumbin captain, Kelly Margetts is confident that his troops can repeat the success of last year after putting his team through their final paces.
"This memorial match has only gone from strength to strength over the years and we're stoked to be taking it to a Friday night format for the first time and hope that a big support crew turns up," Margetts said.
"First and foremost it's a living legacy to the memory of Adam Neville who was a great bloke and friend to both our proud clubs and someone who was taken from us far too soon.
"Come game day we always have a few surprises for North Burleigh because the Vikings have always had a fantastic football culture and membership from all three major codes.
"I urge everyone to come down to Burleigh Waters to cheer on the teams - it's going to be a great night."
Adam Neville was born in Gosford, NSW and his family eventually moved to Coffs Harbour where his parents leased the Olympic pool.
A talented young swimmer, Adam became a NSW State finalist in breaststroke and also took to the surf, representing Coffs Harbour and the NSW North Coast in the NSW Country Swimming and Surf Life Saving Championships.
Adam pursued his love of the surf, following in the family footsteps of his uncles Alan, Len and Jon Cook, gaining his bronze medallion and becoming a budding surf swimmer, iron man and board paddler - which became his passion.
At Coffs Harbou r he represented at the NSW and Australian Championships, winning many board rescue titles with his partner, noted international waterman, Jamie Mitchell and training under legendary surf coach John Mills.
He joined the Currumbin Vikings on the Gold Coast and went on to become a prominent board paddler in the club's Queensland and Australian Championship board relay, taplin relay and board rescue teams.
Adam lost his father in 1999 and went back to Coffs Harbour to assist with the family business at Coffs Harbour Memorial Pool - dedicating his time to his mother Cheryl and his sisters, Peta and Belinda.
He always had a love of horses and breeding and was always willing to provide his expert tips to anyone who would listen - burying his nose in the form guide every Friday and Saturday.
Adam was also a fanatical Parramatta Eels fan - who followed the famous club through thick and thin.
Adam continued to compete for his beloved Currumbin and enjoying the company of his many friends at North Burleigh and remaining loyal to Coffs Harbour - always lending a helping hand.
He was ready to further his career in accounting at Griffith University when he returned to the Gold Coast in 2002.
Adam was all set to attend the 21st birthday of his cousin Troy Hanson at Currumbin on the fateful day he lost his life to a genetic heart defect which had never been diagnosed.
The day he arrived back on the Gold Coast Adam went for a surf and a paddle at North Burleigh - catching up with all his mates - several who had also befriended him in his days at Coffs Harbour and has also moved to the Gold Coast.
Adam returned to his house and collapsed, his mates trying in vain to revive him.
It was a heart-breaking time for his family, his friends and the community who had come to love and admire a young man who had the world of his feet and who would bring a smile to the faces of all who knew him.
He was a quiet, fun-loving, unassuming young man who had a passion for life, surf lifesaving, the horses and his family and friends.
A champion bloke who is sadly missed by all but remembered for the fighting spirit and his passion for life by all the boys and their families from the Currumbin Vikings and North Burleigh Surf Clubs.
Adam Neville, gone too early at the age of 24, but never forgotten by his family and friends.
WHERE: Burleigh Bombers AFL Ground, Bill Godfrey Oval,
Christine Ave, Burleigh Waters
WHEN: Friday, September 3, 2010
TIME: 7:00pm