At the recent VAFA Season Launch, Bernie Angel was recognised for his services to the VAFA through his club level involvement for in excess of 50 years.
Bernie Angel has had a long and successful involvement both on and off the field at two of the VAFA’s premier clubs, initially at St Bernards and more recently at University Blues which covers in excess of 50 years.
Bernie’s stellar playing career started at St Bernards fresh from school in 1972, winning the Under 19s Best and Fairest award at St Bernards, backing up with the Senior Best and Fairest in 1973. During his career at St Bernards, he played around 150 games and culminated in another Senior Best & Fairest in 1980, and also collected the VAFA’s premier player award, the Woodrow Medal in the same year.
Bernie moved to Uni Blues in 1983 and has been a constant fixture at the club ever since.
In 1986 he completed his run of Best and Fairest awards by taking out the honour at Blues in 1986.
Bernie also commenced his off-field service to the club being a player rep on the committee around 1986 and served for almost 40 years filling various roles including the player representative role and also treasurer for around 20 years.
Bernie’s services were recognised by being awarded Life Membership in 1993 and also received the club’s highest “off-field” award, The Chris Brown Trophy, in 2007.
Bernie is not one to rest on his laurels and in 2003, Bernie put his hand up to fill the role as Under 19s Team Manager, and he continues in this role in 2024. As team manager he is often called on to act as Goal Umpire, Timekeeper and any other role required to get the “kids on the park”.
His most important role at the club involves being part of the Thursday evening dinner crew, turning sausages, serving meals and cleaning up after the players evening meals.
For an impressive playing career across two Premier clubs and a support career spanning over 40 years, Bernie has made a remarkable imprint on the club. As such, University Blues Football Club recommends Bernie Angel for a Certificate of Merit award in 2024.
A summary of Bernie’s achievements during well over 40 years’ service within the VAFA in support of this nomination follows below, along with a more detailed statement.
St Bernards (1972 – 1976; 1980 – 1982)
University Blues (1983 – Present)
Bernie joins an esteemed list of Uni Blues recipients of the VAFA Certificate of Merit which includes:
Frank Henegan; Norma and Ted McNamara; Bob Girdwood; Steve Carroll; Yvonne Salter; Michael Robin; John Carmody; Tony McInerney; John Kanis and Gerry Westmore
