North Coast loses a “Legend of Local Footy”
The broader North Coast footy family is grieving with the sad news of the untimely passing of Alan Clayton.
Al was a stalwart of the Coffs Swans club, having been a long serving Premiership player, coach, and committee member. Since the formation of the Coffs Harbour Breakers in 2014, Al was an ever present as the club’s Treasurer, where he was a key driver in the annual sponsor’s day.
Between the Swans and Breakers, Al was the club Treasurer for over 30 years,
At AFL North Coast level, Al was the League’s auditor for many years, had a spell as the League Treasurer, and was also a club delegate under the former League structure.
It was through his time with the Coffs Harbour Breakers where he was recognised by the club as a “Legend of Local Footy” at last year’s AFL North Coast 40th season celebrations. Widely acknowledged as a man who would do anything for footy, especially his beloved Breakers club, he is being remembered as a caring, generous man who was considered a genuine, good bloke by all that knew him.
Outside of footy, Al was a prominent local businessman as a founding partner of Clayton & Foster Accountants. He was well known throughout the Coffs community not only for his business acumen, but also for his support of many worthwhile causes.
Our condolences go out to his wife Janet, sons Tyler and Reed, and daughter Lucy.