An incredibly special moment tonight (12 April 2023) as our very own John Hands was awarded the VAFA Certificate of Merit for his service to the Old Carey Grammarians Football Club.

Handsy received one of only six merit awards given out this year and becomes just the 8th Old Carey person to be bestowed this honour in our 70 years of operation and the first since Max and Val Evans were recognised in 2007.

Old Carey’s past VAFA Certificate of Merit Recipients are Tony Fink, Ian England, David Jones, Howard Bishop, Barry Hickey, Val Evans, Max Evans & now John Hands joins the list.

John first swept into the club as a player in 1978 and has since performed nearly every role conceived – he continues to spend 10+ hours a week doing back-breaking work at the club – loves dropping into a footy trip, has a lighting upgrade project on-the-go and generously puts his hand in his pocket each season to ensure our community club can deliver the best program possible for the young men and women who call Old Carey FC home.

A massive congratulations to ‘Handsy’ from the whole Panther family, we couldn’t do it without you and it’s great that your continued support of the club has been duly recognised @john_hands22