Sherwood Magpies Australian Football Club

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Vale Brian Millar

It is with a heavy and weary heart that the Sherwood Football Club share the news of the loss of one of our most treasured servants - Brian ‘BM’ Millar.

Son of the late Jan Millar, and brother to Les, Wayne, Bruce (his twin), and Kel - Brian had an extraordinary journey in football as a volunteer over 40 years, initially starting with the Coorparoo Roos in the 1980’s where Brian filled various roles such as Team Manager, Runner and Assistant Coach. Photos of the all conquering 1984 QAFL Premiership team including stars like Jason Dunstall and Michael Gibson also included a young 22 year old Brian as the teams runner. Brother Les was also a dominant ruckman in this team, and in a twist of fate replaced brother Kel in the team for the Grand Final when returning from suspension.

Brian later spent time at Mt Gravatt before finding his final home at Sherwood, arriving in 2000 he was either a Team Manager or Assistant Coach every season until 2022, when health issues meant he could no longer continue in his familar role. A part of three senior premierships at the Magpies, BM rarely missed a training session, and was always on the go ensuring footy’s were pumped up, bottles filled and everything was in place. A quiet achiever, he went about his business with a calming efficiency and on the rare occasion BM missed a session, it became very apparent how much he was getting done!

Despite his ill health in recent years, BM was still on hand as often as possible and was in charge of the players hydration at pre-season camp as recently as 2023 before his health declined further, in the fight of his life as he faced a dual health battle – with metastatic melanoma and Guillaine-Barre syndrome, a rare and debilitating auto immune disease that left him unable to walk. Few will forget the Round 9 fixture vs Aspley this year, where he was transported under medical care from St Vincent’s Private Hospital to Sherwood by the Ambulance Wish Team to watch his beloved Sherwood Magpies play, granting him his special wish.

While he was confined to a stretcher & wheelchair for the afternoon, he loved nothing more than the fulfillment of being outdoors and close to live sporting action while soaking in all the sounds, sights and smells of a suburban footy ground and having a chat with the many great people he met in his journey at the Magpies.

BM left an indelible mark on the Magpies and Queensland football through 40+ years of volunteer service and we pass on our heartfelt condolences to Les, Wayne, Bruce, Kel, and the extended Millar family.

Details of his funeral will be shared in the coming days.