THE MELBOURNE Football Club farewelled one of its favourite sons, when the funeral for Sean Wight was held at St James’ Church, Brighton on Wednesday.
Wight, who passed away last Thursday after a short battle with cancer, was remembered by the crowd of over 500 as a strong, determined and caring man, who took on the game of Australian Rules from the other side of the world, and who remained close to his family through the decades, despite physical separation.
Those in attendance included Wight’s mother, Peggy, and his sisters Gwen and Fiona, while his friend Peter Ryan remembered that ‘Sean loved his friends, his cars and a round of golf! ... Once you met Sean you could do nothing but like the guy’.
Footage was shown that once again reinforced Wight’s breathtaking ability and contribution to the game - whether flying into the air, punching the ball defiantly, or tackling with trademark ferocity, easy to spot with his familiar moustache and ready grin.
Much admired, he was also remembered as a man who stood by his principles, and was an inspiration to many in all walks of life.
Following the service, a guard of honour was formed outside the church, including past players from the 1950s onwards, and all three of Sean’s senior coaches at Melbourne - Ron Barassi, John Northey and Neil Balme - along with Sean’s many friends and connections.
With the skirl of bagpipes accompanying the cortege, silence fell, and Sean Wight - No. 27, a much loved son, brother, uncle friend, teammate and colleague - was farewelled for the last time.
Wight, who passed away last Thursday after a short battle with cancer, was remembered by the crowd of over 500 as a strong, determined and caring man, who took on the game of Australian Rules from the other side of the world, and who remained close to his family through the decades, despite physical separation.
Those in attendance included Wight’s mother, Peggy, and his sisters Gwen and Fiona, while his friend Peter Ryan remembered that ‘Sean loved his friends, his cars and a round of golf! ... Once you met Sean you could do nothing but like the guy’.
Footage was shown that once again reinforced Wight’s breathtaking ability and contribution to the game - whether flying into the air, punching the ball defiantly, or tackling with trademark ferocity, easy to spot with his familiar moustache and ready grin.
Much admired, he was also remembered as a man who stood by his principles, and was an inspiration to many in all walks of life.
Following the service, a guard of honour was formed outside the church, including past players from the 1950s onwards, and all three of Sean’s senior coaches at Melbourne - Ron Barassi, John Northey and Neil Balme - along with Sean’s many friends and connections.
With the skirl of bagpipes accompanying the cortege, silence fell, and Sean Wight - No. 27, a much loved son, brother, uncle friend, teammate and colleague - was farewelled for the last time.
