Avenel Football Club president Joseph Pollock with local historian and descendant of Robert Fontana, Glenn Fontana. Photo: Josephine Prohm
More than a century on from his death, a former Avenel Football Club captain’s legacy has been bestowed on the sports hub he called home.
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Robert Fontana, whose family’s connection to Avenel dates back to the late 1800s, led the Swans between 1914 and 1915, before he enlisted in World War I.
He died in battle in Fromelles, France, on September 1, 1918.
Almost 108 years later, more than 20 of Robert’s descendants from across the country visited the Avenel Football Netball Club to donate a portrait, plaque and football medals connected to the former captain.
Speaking at a half-time ceremony dedicated to his ancestor, Avenel resident and historian Glenn Fontana said the donation was about sharing Robert’s story with the community.
“On behalf of all the Fontanas who are here today, and all those who couldn’t make it, we’d like to donate this back to the club so this history can be displayed and enjoyed by people for years to come,” he said.
“As a family, we’re also in discussion to have the Robert Fontana Memorial Medal created, to be awarded to the best senior player for the Avenel Football Club on Anzac Day.
“We’re hoping to turn this into an annual event for the Avenel Football Club.”
The Avenel Football Netball Club was presented with a portrait of Robert Fontana. Photo: Josephine Prohm
Glenn also spoke about Robert’s service with the 15th Light Horse Regiment and later the 1st Anzac Cyclist Battalion.
The donated items, believed by many family members to have been long lost, were found by Robert’s descendant Philip Syratt following the deaths of his parents.
“This is a pretty significant piece of history,” Philip told the crowd.
“My father passed away in about 2009. I was cleaning out his shed when I came across this piece.
“I’d seen it as something my grandfather held with pride but didn’t really know what it was. But when I read it, I thought, ‘oh, this is a pretty big piece of history’.”
Before being offered to the club, the portrait and plaque were restored.
The Avenel Football Netball Club was packed out during half-time with a mix of Fontana family descendants and club members. Photo: Josephine Prohm
“It was in pretty poor shape, so I told my mum I’d take it,” Philip said.
“I got it restored in Sunbury, and I’m thinking, ‘what am I going to do with this?’ I said, ‘maybe the football club would like that’.”
Among the donated items was a 1921 premiership medal won by Robert’s brother Michael and a 1914 Avenel Football Club medal awarded to Robert.
The Robert Fontana Memorial Medal, to be awarded at the club, is currently in the pipeline.
Peter Fontana is also set to recreate a First Anzac Cyclist Battalion bicycle in Robert’s memory.
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