In a time when South's greatest imports Eddie Schwerdt and Jeff Brown dominated the early BLGFA to become part of the Lions' folklore, another inclusion originally from Smithfield is sometimes overlooked. However this man, like his venerable teammates, stayed on at the club - and in fact for even much longer, to become arguably one of our greatest club leaders of recent times. He also brought his younger brother Keith to the club.

With silky smooth skills, Gary McCollum arrived at South after playing in the 1982 Under 19s premiership and then 150 plus Reserves games at Central District, every bit as classy. He would become a three-time premiership player, club Captain and Vice Captain who played more than 150 serviceable games for the Lions. A key member of the 1990, 1992 and 1993 flags under Mullet McGrath, he also represented the BLGFA regularly throughout the 1990s.

After he retired, Gary was the seniors' runner for a number of years and then joined the Committee over five years. When the club needed him, he came back to play again at age 41. Today he is still a devoted member and sponsor of his adopted club, and we will always claim him as one of our own.

One of the great players and eventual clubmen who the club was blessed to find in our last great heyday.