Triple premiership Lions captain Michael Voss, in addition to senior Brisbane officers, have led tributes to membership stalwart and soccer administration supervisor Nicole Duncan — the Lions’ longest-serving worker — who died on Saturday surrounded by family members.
The Lions on Sunday launched a press release confirming Duncan, who labored on the membership for 31 years, had handed away after a brief battle with leukaemia.
Duncan, the daughter of former Fitzroy participant Stewart Duncan, joined the then-Brisbane Bears in April 1993, which was simply after the membership’s relocation from Carrara to the Gabba.
Last yr she celebrated her Bears/Lions thirtieth anniversary, that means she was on the membership for Brisbane’s premiership three-peat from 2001 to 2003, in addition to the 2 AFLW flags in 2021 and 2023.
Voss, who’s now Carlton’s coach, mentioned Duncan’s impression “on so many is undeniable”.
“The stories she could tell … Not many got past her and not many knew as much as her,” Voss mentioned.
“No task was too big or too small and she would do everything with the same ruthless efficiency. She never wasted a word but you always knew she cared. Every detail was mastered and there are many who are grateful to her for doing so much for them.”
Lions coach Chris Fagan mentioned Duncan was “the most competent and diligent colleague I’ve worked alongside in my time in the AFL”.
“Her work was her passion and she was an expert at her role. She wanted nothing but the best for our club and her daily aim was to serve the Lions with purpose and efficiency. Without doubt she achieved her goal consistently over a 30-year career,” Fagan mentioned.
“My wife Ursula, daughters Jessica and Ellen and I loved her dearly. She made us all feel so welcome at the club and part of the family.
“To me she is a hero because every day she let her work and actions do the talking. She never complained and took so much pride in everything she did.
“People like her are the heart and soul of a football club. There is no doubt she has left an enduring legacy for all of us to follow.”
Lions chef govt Greg Swann mentioned nobody within the historical past of the Lions “had a bigger influence on the players, coaches and the workings of the club” than Duncan.
“She was a true Lions legend even though she never played,” Swann mentioned.
“She ran everything in the football department with a minimum of fuss and was never fazed by anything.”
Duncan is survived by husband Brian, in addition to kids Mitchell and Jade.
“Words can’t describe how much we’ll miss her,” a household assertion learn. “She lit up every room with her sunny smile and always knew how to make people laugh. She lived an extraordinary life filled with adventure, laughter and love.”
Originally revealed as ‘A true Lions legend’: Heartfelt tributes for Brisbane ‘hero’ Nicole Duncan – the membership’s longest-serving worker
Source: www.news.com.au
