Brad Fairey

The Brad Fairey Story:

Brad arrived at Nuriootpa HC in 1996 coming over from Moculta in search of A Grade opportunities.  He immediately got his chance as a striker in what would become the 1996 A grade premiership team and was named Best On Ground in that Grand final.

By 1998 he had achieved his first club Best & Fairest, one of four so far at the club and was named BVHA B&F in the same year.

From that time on, Brad’s presence on the field grew over the years while he also became more and more involved in the administration and coaching aspects of the club. His modesty as the most feared forward in the competition, has led to almost universal respect from opposition clubs while also making him an approachable role model for young players at Nuriootpa.

That approachability made him an ideal U18 coach, a role he took on for 5 year from 2004 to 2008.  Over that period he had an impact on many players who would go on to become A-Grade Men and Women stars for the club.

Brads list on field achievements is unmatched.  Over 300 A-Grade matches (1 B-Grade), 4 Club B&Fs, a BVHA B&F, 7 Best on Ground in Grand Finals, 7 entries in the BVHA Team of the year, 4 State Country selection and 13 A-Grade Premierships over 19 years.

This record resulted in Brad receiving the ultimate club honour in 2013 when the club named the A Grade B&F award The “Brad Fairey” Medal.

Off the field Brad has served the club in many different ways, never shying away from a job whether big or small.  Brad served as Vice - President from 2007 to 2012 and as Judiciary officer from 2009 to 2013, as well as many other roles as a committeeman.

He has always been willing to roll up his sleeves and perform some of the thankless tasks that keep a club running. The best example of this has been in line marking the fields for many years and setting up marques etc. for club functions, there has rarely been a working bee he has not attended.

Brad is also the only club member to complete the Grand Slam of major club awards receiving the “Schutty” award for Coaching in 2008, The “Kellett Family” Senior club service award in 2009, The “Goodsports” award in 2013 and A Grade B&F in 1998,2001, 2004 and 2010.

Brad’s “Actions speak louder than words” approach to the Nuriootpa Hockey Club on and off the field has resulted in him becoming one of the most respected and admired members of the club and undoubtedly will for many years to come.

The Sixteenth Life Member of Nuriootpa Hockey Club - Brad Fairey