Close-knit community mourns the loss of Mortlake's Allan Noone

Mortlake's Allan Noone, 28, returned to Woorndoo-Mortlake Football Club this year after seasons with Allansford and Caramut football clubs.

Mr Noone died in a single-car crash on Mortlake-Ararat Road about 9.45pm on January 30.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Erin and parents Phil and Fiona.

Mr Noone and his wife recently celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary and were expecting their first child this year.

Woorndoo-Mortlake Football Club senior coach Damo Pemberton said Mr Noone always "created a great buzz around the club".

"He was just loved by everyone, it's still a bit of a shock for us all," he said.

"Noones was running the pre-season this year and he was doing a cracking job at that. He's also done a bit of recruitment this year and he got us some players that we wouldn't have got a hold of otherwise."

Mr Pemberton said Mr Noone's sense of humour and energy at the club would be sorely missed.

"He would get the 'Noone Bets' on every Sunday, handing out a prize for the first reserves goal and things like that," he said.

"He'd walk into a room and everyone would just get into him, calling him 'Noone-Dog' or 'Chilli Dog'. He was a really well-known, loyal bloke and I hope from here we can go out, do him proud and give 2020 the best we've got."

Allansford Football Netball Club president Shane Murphy said the football community was "completely shocked".

"Allan was someone who always looked after his teammates," he said.

"He was a pretty out there and likeable type of bloke who always seemed to be having fun. He's got a lot of close friends at the club which will make it really hard.

"The club is here to support Allan's family as well as his friends and club members. If there is anything we can do, we are more than willing to help."

Former reserves coach Neil Kelly said the loss of a "talented football and great bloke" was a "big shock to the system".

"I coached Allan in his first senior game when he was just 16 at Derrinallum, and he always promised that if I ever coached again he would come and play at Allansford and he did," he said.

"He was always a man of his words. He was a very, very skilful and tough player. We had one game this year and the game was there to be won, so he just stepped up and said 'we're not losing' and he took it upon himself to win the game for us."

Mr Kelly said off the field Mr Noone was an "absolutely champion bloke" who would do anything for anyone.

"He was a real family man and a great friend to everyone," he said.

Allansford senior coach Ben Price said Mr Noone was "the epitome of the country footy folklore".

"I've only known Noone's a fraction of the time that most of his friends (have), but I can honestly say he was possibly one of the most passionate and infectious lads I've ever had the pleasure of coaching," he said.

"Allan was definitely no shrinking violet and to be honest, a borderline serial pest, but when saying that, he would always be there to do whatever it took to help out when due. At every chance he would keep me on my toes and consistently test and challenge his teammates and myself and mostly for the sake of only wanting everyone to be more successful.

"He would play his unique music choices at any opportunity and tell some of the most cringe-worthy jokes but all with the aim to bring people closer together, he will be sorely missed on many levels."

Mr Noone was also a keen lawn bowler, cricketer and yachtsman.

Family friend Matt Harper said Mr Noone was a "much loved member of the community, a keen sportsman and very funny man".

"I've known Allan for many, many years through sailing, competing against and along side each other and his family over the years," he said.

"Allan was a dedicated member of the Derrinallum Yacht and Power Club, following in the footsteps of his parents.

"We had only sailed against each other last weekend and I am truly devastated, especially for his wife, and his parents who I consider to be good friends.

"The sailing community, in particular Yachting Western Victoria are mourning a much loved character, and would like to express our and my deepest sympathies to Erin his wife, and his parents Phil and Fiona."

The community is invited to attend Woorndoo-Mortlake Football Netball Club rooms on Tuesday to sign Mr Noone's coffin lid.

The rooms will be open between 6.30pm and 9pm.

"The coffin lid will be at the rooms and the evening is offered to anyone who would like the opportunity to write a message or simply sign the top of the coffin so he can take it with him as he is laid to rest," a statement said.

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