The Collingwood Football Club has lost one of its longest-serving and most loyal servants, with the recent passing of former trainer John Wassell.

Johnny served as a trainer at Collingwood for more than 30 years, and had the unique distinction of having contributed to Premierships at all three levels – serving with the under-19s when they won the flag in 1974, the reserves when they did likewise in 1976 and the seniors for the famous victory in 1990.

And John was there for all of them: strapping ankles, knees and shoulders, providing rubdowns, tending to players, looking after them at training and on match days. He loved the Collingwood Football Club deeply, and devoted much of his life to the black-and-white cause.

John started life at Collingwood with the under-19s in 1968. His brother had worked in the bootroom before then and was himself given a trainers role with the reserves. Like many a good young player before him, John worked his way up, progressing to the reserves in 1975 and becoming head reserves trainer in 1978. He advanced to the seniors the following year.

He would go on to spend about eight years as head senior trainer, before finishing up in 1999 after 32 years of service. He was awarded Collingwood Life Membership that same year and was also a Life Member of the AFL Trainers Association.

By the time he was with the seniors, a typical week would see him at Victoria Park four nights a week, not leaving til around 8pm. On match days he’d be there from early morning to help with the reserves, and again would stay there until the evening. Sunday mornings were dedicated to injury treatment and player care. And all this was on top of his full-time job at Sidchrome in West Heidelberg.

His family said this week that John’s commitment to Collingwood was easy to explain: he simply loved the club.

“The Collingwood Football Club was not simply something he supported,” they said. “It was part of who he was. He loved the Club, its people and everything it stood for.

“Like many of the dedicated football staff of that era, Dad did not do it for financial reward. He did it because he loved Collingwood, felt privileged to be part of the Club and regarded it as an extension of his family.

“It is impossible to fully express how much the Collingwood Football Club meant to Dad. His passion, loyalty and commitment to the Club shaped much of his life. As his children, we witnessed countless occasions where Club commitments came before family events, school activities and sporting milestones. Looking back, we understand these sacrifices were made because of the immense pride Dad felt in serving the Club he loved.”

John had battled with Parkinson’s Disease for many years and passed away last week, aged 87. He is survived by his wife Joan, children Lynne, Michelle and Graeme, and his grandchildren and great-granddaughter.

The Board, management, staff, coaches and players of the Collingwood Football Club would like to recognise John Wassell’s contribution to our great club. Our thoughts are with his family, and his friends from Collingwood and beyond.