It’s not just because a win over Inglewood in the Loddon Valley Football League would end a seven-game losing streak for Mitiamo and give the Superoos just their third win of the season.

Saturday’s game at Mitiamo is more than just playing for four points – it’s about honouring Superoos legend Allen Marlow, who died on Monday at the St John of God Hospital in Bendigo aged 83.

Throughout the history of the Mitiamo Football Netball Club that dates back to 1889, there is no more loved, respected or revered figure than Marlow.

For more than 60 years, Marlow embodied the spirit of Mitiamo as a player, administrator and trainer.

“Unquestionably, we’ll be playing in honour of Allen this week,” Eve said yesterday.

“I’ve never seen someone serve a club like he did... to be involved with the club for more than 60 years, it’s just unheard of.

“He was a magnificent man and the nicest guy you would meet who had total dedication to the club.

“He has touched so many people at the club with his passion and we really want to honour him and sing the song for him this Saturday.”

Marlow first played with Mitiamo in 1944 as a 15-year-old when football restarted after World War II.

He played with the Superoos until 1968 and was a member of six premiership teams, mainly as a tough and rugged ruck-rover.

Five of those flags were in the old Mitiamo District league – 1947, 1948, 1952, 1953 and 1954 – while he also played in the club’s first Loddon Valley premiership in 1967.

He won the Mitiamo District league best and fairest twice and the Superoos’ club best and fairest five times.

As well as a 24-year senior playing career, Marlow’s involvement at Mitiamo also included stints as president that totalled 12 years.

He also assisted off the field in many areas, including trainer, junior coach, league delegate, cleaner and ground curator.

Even into his 80s, Marlow was still strapping Superoos players’ ankles pre-game in his trainer’s role.

Testament to his contribution to Mitiamo, he was a recipient of the VCFL Service Award in 1990 and is a life member of both the Superoos and LVFL.

Marlow continued to support his beloved Superoos right until the end, having attended all the club’s home games this season, with his last match watching a defeat against Pyramid Hill on June 2.

“Allen’s contribution to the club is just immeasurable,” long-time Mitiamo treasurer Ken Hynes said.

“In my opinion, there has never been anyone contribute to the club more, and I don’t think there will be in the future.

“He first joined the committee in 1946 and stayed on it continuously until about three years ago when for health reasons he stepped aside.

“He had such a passion for the club that just never waned.”

While Marlow loved the Superoos and his family, this death notice in yesterday’s Bendigo Advertiser from his grandchildren Jack and Sophie perfectly summed up how those who knew him felt about him: “A man of actions, not merely of words, good deeds never left undone.

“No thought for himself, only of others.

“A warm gentleman who made everyone around him feel welcome and loved.

“A great family man and top sportsman who was both selfless and strong.

“Everyone who met Allen loved him, and for the same reason as us. He was truly a great man.”

Marlow is survived by his wife Betty and children Kevin, Lorraine, Ian, Allen Jnr and Carole.