16/10/2026
Life Membership at Casey Hockey Club is not awarded for the number of games played or Best and Fairest awards won, like many of tonight's honours. Instead, it recognizes those who have gone above and beyond over a long period of time in roles such as committee member, coach, team manager and countless other contributions that keep our club thriving behind the scenes.
To receive Life Membership, a person's contribution is usually so significant that everyone already knows they have given far more than what could ever be expected. Tonight's recipient is no exception. When this nomination was presented to the committee, the decision was immediate, clear and unanimous.
This person joined our club in 2009 as an already accomplished hockey player. Interestingly, he arrived midway through the season after being asked by the coach if he could come across and help guide some of the younger players coming through the ranks. As it turns out, helping others became a defining feature of his time at Casey Hockey Club. Shortly after arriving, he was part of a golden era for the Men's unit, helping secure three consecutive premierships...
Over the years, he continued to serve the Men's unit in almost every capacity imaginable, as a player, captain, coach, team manager and selector. Most importantly, when the men's section faced difficult times, he stepped up and played a key role in helping rebuild and strengthen the group. It would not be the last time he answered the club's call.
As a parent, he naturally became involved in our junior program as well. He spent several years coaching U12 and U14 teams, always willing to give his time and share his knowledge with the next generation of Casey players. He was recognized by the club in 2019 when he was awarded the Best Club Person award. This only paused when COVID brought community sport to a halt.
Following the COVID years, he continued contributing as a player, coach and selector with the Men's unit until injury eventually forced him into retirement from playing in 2022.
But by then, Casey Hockey Club was firmly in his heart.
Retirement from playing simply created an opportunity to contribute in new ways.
He joined the committee as our inaugural Child Safety Officer. As the first person to undertake this role, he was required to navigate new regulations, expectations and requirements from Hockey Victoria and the broader community. Drawing on his professional expertise away from hockey, he established the role and helped ensure our club met its responsibilities in this critical area.
Around the same time, the Women's program faced significant challenges... Once again, he stepped forward. He volunteered to coach within the Women's program and made it clear that maintaining three teams was non-negotiable. He immediately got to work recruiting players, supporting coaches and doing everything possible to ensure the women's section remained strong... That achievement did not happen by accident. It happened because of the effort, leadership, belief and countless hours invested by people willing to put the club before themselves.
And that is exactly what tonight's recipient has done for more than fifteen years.
Whether as a player, coach, captain, selector, team manager, committee member, mentor or friend, he has repeatedly stepped up whenever Casey Hockey Club needed him.
His contribution has shaped our club, strengthened our culture and positively influenced countless players and members along the way.
On behalf of the committee and all members, past and present, it is my great pleasure to invite Jeff Smit forward to receive Life Membership of Casey Hockey Club" Written and presented by Life Member, David Hyland
