Jersey Calcutta – Ian Cameron’s SUFC team of history – ‘One Club’

🏉 Ian Cameron: A Stalwart Supporter of Sydney University Football Club lists his SUFC team of history🏉

In the heart of Sydney, where the roar of the crowd mingles with the scent of freshly cut grass, there exists a club that transcends mere sport. The Sydney University Football Club (SUFC) is more than a team—it’s a legacy etched into the very fabric of rugby history. And at the heart of this legacy stands Ian Cameron, a man whose unwavering passion has fueled the club’s triumphs and weathered its storms.

Ian’s connection to SUFC stretches back decades, a tapestry woven with threads of loyalty, camaraderie, and sheer determination. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the hallowed turf, Ian’s presence is felt—a living embodiment of the club’s ethos. His rusted on support of the adorned iconic blue and gold, tells stories of victories and defeats, of friendships forged in the heat of battle.

But let us not forget the warriors who graced that same jersey—the heroes who carved their names into SUFC folklore. These are not just players; they are legends. Legends like David “Duff-man” McDuling, whose strong leadership could guide troops into war. Or Scott “Gas” Cameron, whose unyielding ability to play 7-games in a day makes his legendary status that much more flattering.

And then there’s Nick “Obama” Edwards, a trailblazer who defied convention and shattered glass ceilings. But let’s delve deeper into the annals of SUFC history. Our team of recent memory boasts stars who burned bright, leaving indelible marks on the rugby universe:

1. Aldi “Ivan” King – 152 games: Consistent performer who always added value to the team. Strong scrummager. Effective and efficient at the cleanout. Respected by his teammates.
2. Digby Beaumont – 100 games: A mobile hooker and excellent scrummager. High work rate around the field. Strong defender.
3. Scott “Gas” Cameron: An excellent scrum technician and effective lineout lifter. Only yellow carded once for (repeated) scrum infringements (what would the ref know about scrums!). Has a 100% accuracy in line out throwing (1st grade Grand Final 2007). One of only two to play their way through all Colts and Grade teams (Colts 4 to Colts 1 and 5th grade to 1st grade).
4. Marc “Avo” Avery – 216 games: Provided the ‘grunt’ in the engine room. A genuine clubman who always gave 100%. Aggressive across the field. Employed the ‘Maori’ sidestep to great effect.
5. David “Duff man” McDuling: The Super Rugby journey man but always committed to SUFC. Provided the forwards with strong leadership to secure the 2022 Premiership. Excellent physicality, work rate and clean out. Solid defender
6. Chris Sproates – 118 games: A very mobile backrower with soft hands, Uncompromising defender. He was a powerful ball runner and skilled at recycling the ball under pressure. His ‘crash ball’ was the best in the competition.
7. David Haigh – 103 games: An athletic line out jumper able to secure the ball under pressure. High work rate and made the ‘big tackles.
8. Tim “Davo” Davidson – 186 games: Arguably the best Uni has produced in recent years. Outstanding leader and consistent performer week in week out.
9. Scott Stumbles – 205 games: Another committed clubman who played in all grades ending his career in leading fourth grade. A crisp, accurate pass that always found his man. Read the defensive game extremely well and great in cover defence
10. Daniel “Hangers” Halangahu – 123 games: A skilful No.10 with great vision. Could run, pass, kick, catch and tackle (can be a challenge these days for some No.10s). Read the play and set up his outside men with measured, timely passes. Great in transition. Accurate kicking from open play and the tee.
11. Michael Griffin – 123 games: Deceptively quick. Knew how to “find the line” and scored many tries through bustling, aggressive running. Excellent positional play and defended his space.
12. Tom Carter – 240 games: His passion, dedication and commitment to SUFC were second to none. Drew defenders and set up his outside centre. Always ‘a target’ for the opposition and thus created space and opportunities for teammates. His defence was outstanding and very few attackers got passed him.
13. Luke “Doc” Inman -123 games: Always professional in his approach at training and on the field. An accomplished and dynamic centre. Successfully defended the ‘13’ channel with subtle aggression Great in transition and always supported his teammates.
14. Nick “Barrack” Edwards – 124 games: An elusive runner and strong finisher. Had speed to burn and a deceptive step. A great team man.
15. Nathan Trist – 206 games: Fast and balanced runner who thrilled the crowd with his ‘swan dive’ tries. Great defender, safe under the high ball and could kick goals. The other one of only two to play their way through all Colts and Grade teams (Colts 4 to Colts 1 and 5th grade to 1st grade).

These names echo through the corridors of the SUFC clubhouse, whispered by old-timers and chanted by the next generation. They are the custodians of tradition, the torchbearers of a legacy that stretches beyond mere wins and losses.

So, as we raise our glasses to Ian Cameron, let us remember that SUFC isn’t just about rugby—it’s about passion, resilience, and the indomitable spirit that binds us all. May their legacy continue to inspire generations to come. 🍻🏉