Vale Gerry Atherden

Vale Gerry Atherden

By Ken Casellas

Claremont Football Club supporters are mourning the death of a wonderful club stalwart Gerry Atherden.

His association with the Tigers began in 1948 when he was a member of the Claremont Metropolitan Juniors when his teammates included John O’Connell, Don Idle, Bill Moffat, Alan Rich, Les Webb, George Woodhouse and Herb Williams.

He served as a member of Claremont’s committee from 1975 until he resigned in May 1978 when he was appointed the club’s administrative manager, following the departure of Peter Rule, who resigned to pursue a career in the commercial world.

Gerry continued in the role of administration manager until he resigned in August 1984 when he moved to live in Dunsborough. In his managerial role he formed a strong association with president Wal Maskiell and coach Graham Moss, with the Tigers qualifying for the league finals every year from 1979 to 1984, with the high point being the 1981 premiership.

Always a keen supporter, Gerry enjoyed his role as a volunteer with the club’s maintenance crew from 2010 until 2019.