“I first joined Natimuk back in 1979 as coach, and in 1981 the club won a premiership,” Lovel said. “I had a bit of a stint at Homers for a few years and then ended up coming back to Natimuk.”

As the owner of the Nati Pub, Lovel is a major sponsor of the club, as well as having plenty of match day duties. 

“I occasionally give the guys a bit of a rub down on match day, I help the coaches with the whiteboards, I run the AusKick program and the pub sponsors the footy club," Lovel said.

“I have some great memories here at the club. Probably some after match or after finals celebrations, there is always a bit of fun to be had.”

Lovel said since the club merged with Horsham United, there had been increased meaning for fans and players.

“The club was always special, but there is a lot more significance now with the diggers and the Anzacs,” he said.

“I really think that has brought back a real sense of belonging, mateship and real togetherness at the club.” 

Lovel was awarded the first life membership after the two clubs merged in 2014.

“I had been president at Horsham United for two-and-a-half years,” Lovel said.

“I had seen some tough times and some good times there. I’d seen some premierships, but not so much in the seniors.

“I think it’s pretty special to have that membership, and I find it very humbling to be the first life member of the merger club.”

With the pub sponsoring the club, Lovel said there was always a good feeling between the players and the business.

“Part of the camaraderie with us is that they come into the pub and they know we sponsor the club,” he said.

“Now it’s a lot easier because we are winning some games, when we were losing it was a lot harder. They know it’s welcoming and the pub is a bit like a clubroom as far as having players in the bar.”

Lovel’s son Jonothan is also heavily involved with Natimuk United’s senior football side.

“My son Jonothan is currently captain of the seniors,” he said.

“I’m very proud of Jono. I come to the footy and enjoy seeing him run around. He has had some battles throughout the years, surviving cancer and a road accident. To see him get out there running around is just fantastic.”

With some new recruits and a couple of wins under the team’s belt early in the season, Lovel said there was a good feeling around the club.

“I don’t think any of the games in the District league are going to be easy,” he said.

“They will all be hard and we have to set up our team solid on the day and keep to our structures.”