WARRNAMBOOL Greyhound Racing Club manager Matt Ansell will be remembered as an ideas man who was passionate about the industry.
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Ansell died on Sunday, aged 51.
The father-of-two was also heavily involved in cricket circles – he was a A grade captain at Purnim and successful coach at Russells Creek.
He spent a decade at Russells Creek, guiding its junior sides to a swag of premierships before leading its division one team in 2014-15.
Ansell was also the first manager of Warrnambool Stadium.
Warrnambool Greyhound Racing Club president Phillip Mitchem said Ansell made a positive impact at Wannon Park in his two stints as general manager.
Ansell was first appointed eight years ago and spent five years in the role before stepping aside.
He returned late last year, quickly asserting his influence in time for its annual seaside carnival.
“He was right on top of his game and took the job on head first,” Mitchem said.
“He was passionate. He always spoke of the club as his club.
“He liked to do things properly. He had a lot of good sides to him – he handled people well and managed situations.”
Mitchem said Ansell was a friend who was always searching for ways to improve the greyhound club.
“He was a fantastic bloke, easy to get along with and a real ideas man,” he said.
“He’d ring up two or three times a week and run things past you.”
Russells Creek Cricket Club president Glenn Kelson said Ansell left an indelible mark at Mack Oval.
The Creekers dedicated their under 17 Twenty20 semi-final win on Tuesday to their former coach and will do likewise in the decider.
“It’s just a shock for the club after having him do so much for us over the past decade,” Kelson said.
“He’s been a pretty big figure at the club.
“He was a very determined character and had strong philosophies about cricket.”
Ansell is survived by his wife Denese and sons Nick and Jack.
He was passionate. He was a fantastic bloke, easy to get along and a real ideas man.
- Phillip Mitchem
