He’s lived and breathed the red and blue since he was young – and today he completes the secretary duties, among his many jobs with the proud Horsham District league club. 

Martin’s father took him along to football games and he eventually started playing at age 16.

Two years later, the young and enthusiastic 18 year-old joined the committee. 

Martin said he had been club’s secretary for the past eight years.

“It’s a very enjoyable job and I like to see the club do well,” he said. 

“I find it rewarding.” 

Martin dedicates his entire Saturday to the club and makes sure the day runs as smoothly as possible. 

His day starts at 7.30am and he sits on the gate at home games until 11am. 

Martin will then put on his umpiring gear and warm up to officiate the reserves football game. 

After his officiating duties, he takes a break until roughly 6pm when all the game information has been handed to him. 

Martin will then log the details into the computer system to send on to the league, which rounds out his Saturday. 

“At small clubs like this, I think everyone should chip in,” he said. 

“The camaraderie and the friendship at the club is great. 

“Kalkee is a very important part of my life and I will continue to help out for years to come.” 

Martin previously played reserves football and joked about “not being much of a footballer”. 

He played in the back pocket. 

“I wasn’t the best footballer, so I thought I would help the club off the field,” he said. 

Kalkee president Trevor McCrae said it was hard to describe Martin’s contribution to the club. 

“He was a good reserves footballer,” he said. 

“His family has always been involved at the club.” 

McCrae said Martin helped the club almost every day. 

“He’s our secretary at the moment and has been for eight years,” he said. 

“The secretary is the biggest job at the club, in my opinion. 

“But he also helps out at every working bee, organises game-day jobs and umpires reserves footy.” 

McCrae is grateful for the work Martin puts in. 

“It’s getting harder and harder to find people like Marto,” he said. 

“Everyone really enjoys having him around the club. He is a great character. 

“We are lucky to have him.”