It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Michael Thorneycroft.
“Thorney,” as he was affectionately known, endured a short but intense battle with a rapidly onset form of dementia.
Mick was a valued member of our inaugural Ainslie Football Club Under 19s Premiership team in 1977. Earlier this year, in speaking with his brother Neil, it was clear how much Mick was looking forward to reuniting with his teammates at the upcoming July reunion. Sadly, he will not be able to attend, however Neil, along with brother Phil and Mick’s son, will be there in his honour to share stories and celebrate the memories of that special team.
Mick, along with the broader Thorneycroft family—particularly his parents Brian and Grace—played a significant role in our junior club throughout the 1970s before relocating to the Wodonga/Albury region in the early 1980s.
He went on to become a highly respected footballer in the district, both as a player and coach across several clubs. Much of his career was spent with North Albury, where he was awarded the Leo Burke Medal in the Ovens and Murray League as the best player in the Reserves.
Mick will be deeply missed by many, particularly within the football community in the Albury-Wodonga region.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.