Mr Forsyth joined the Southern Roos as playing coach in 2013, boosting the Horsham District league club’s professionalism.

But this week the sporting community has rallied to pay tribute to Mr Forsyth after he died on Monday. 

Mr Forsyth won the league’s highest honour – the Dellar Medal – in 2013.

He was also a player-coach during the 2014 season. 

He joined the Southern Roos from the Hamilton Imperials and club president Rosemary Langley said everything about him was “fantastic”. 

“His style … he was a great communicator and he appreciated everyone,” she said. “He put (high expectations) on everyone early on, though. He was a fitness fanatic and instilled that onto the team of young men.” 

Mrs Langley said it was Mr Forsyth’s influence that helped the then young Southern Roos become the team they are today. 

“The team was young at the time,” Mrs Langley said. 

“They were looking for leadership and the team is now reaping the rewards. What he brought put them on the path they are on now.” 

Mrs Langley said Mr Forsyth was a positive influence.  

“He always had a smile on his face and always had time for you … a slap on the back and well done kind of guy,” she said. 

“When he left the club, he wrote a very honest and brave letter about where the club should be. Some people were against what he said in the note but I kept it and work off it today. He was wise.” 

Mrs Langley said Mr Forsyth was a major player in bringing together the club’s football and netball teams.

“He had an infectious personality. He brought both netball and football together,” she said. “He was as large as life off the field as he was on the field.”