FOOTBALL
By LIAM DURKIN
ANDY Theissling is Mr Football.
The Traralgon resident lives and breathes it.
Those who frequent local footy matches during winter have surely come across his friendly face over the years.
Andy is there every Saturday, rain, hail or shine, always lending a hand, and always with a smile on his face.
His roles over the years have been, but not limited to: team manager, water carrier and runner, although it is mathematics where Andy perhaps shines brightest.
Possessing some of the most detailed books imaginable, Andy has painstakingly chronicled the statistics of local teams and AFL players past and present.
“Mum said it’s good for the brain, like times tables,” Andy said of his devotion.
He can recite footy stats just as easily as well, from Todd Goldstein’s career hit outs to Scott Pendlebury’s career disposals – Andy knows it all.
The diehard Bomber counts Gippsland’s own Pendlebury as the best he’s seen – and Andy has seen some of the greats: from No 1 AFL draft pick Brendon Goddard, to current West Coast coach Andrew McQualter.
Andy saw a young Goddard come through Traralgon, and has remained close pals with ‘Mini’ McQualter even with him now coaching on the other side of the country.
“I’ve known Andy since we were little kids,” McQualter told the Express.
“Growing up in the neighbourhood always running around playing sports, particularly footy.
“He has always had such a passion for people and football, loved watching and enjoying others successes.”
It has been these moments that have brought a great deal of joy for Andy, basking in premiership glory with a number of teams he has assisted.
Involved in them all has been local footy journeyman Jamie Aitken. Wherever he’s gone, he’s made sure Andy has been there with him.
There has been premierships with Traralgon in 2005 and 2011, (the former of which Andy labels a standout), Yinnar in 2015, and then Traralgon Tyers United in 2023.
As Aitken explained, their friendship goes back decades. “Since Andy and I met playing our first footy game in under 10s for West End Junior Football Club, we have forged a great friendship that has lasted 30 plus years,” he said.
“He has a passion for footy and is the best statistician in local footy.
“We have shared many great memories over our 30-plus year friendship.”
A typical Saturday sees Andy fetch a lift to a venue across Gippsland, generally arriving as the reserves are playing, before settling into his game day roles.
While not a nervous watcher, he nevertheless has to keep a close eye on proceedings, marking down the goal kickers. His work is not done once the final siren sounds, as he often has to chase coaches for best players.
The players have been a priority for Andy. When he first arrived at the Traralgon senior club, he would call Bingo numbers fundraising for the players’ trip away.
Their kindness back the other way has been telling, and he counts himself fortunate to call many of them friends, including local legends Tony Lane, Steve Hazelman and Michael Geary.
“Great people, great friendships,” Andy said.
Away from footy, Andy was a long-time Coles employee, only recently retiring. His generosity extends beyond the weekend, assisting the Traralgon District Historical Society and Traralgon Courthouse.
Staying alert is also no issue for Andy, as he walks everywhere. It is estimated daily trips of 20 kilometres are not uncommon.
Whoever he meets on his walks he is happy to chat with, just as the football-netball clubs are happy to have him involved.
Every Friday, he talks to Andy Maher and Andrew Gaze on SEN. The pair have even invited him into the city studio on occasions.
“Andy and I have shared hundreds of texts over the years talking about where footy has taken us both,” McQualter said.
“Although we all know he is a diehard Bombers fan, he has always shown enormous support to everyone on their journeys.”
Whatever the journey is next footy season, you can be sure of one thing.
Andy will have a smile on his face and be all too happy to have a chat.
