Bruce first came to the Strathmore football club in 1984 with his eldest son Shane. For the first four years, the family was living in Kealba, but Shane was attending Strathmore primary and wanted to play at Strathmore. In 1988 the family had moved to Strathmore and getting to training was much easier. Shane played through junior age groups and finished in 1993.

The following year, Bruce’s youngest son Adam began playing and Bruce took over the role of goal umpire for the side. He managed to win the under 10a EDFL goal umpires award in his first year and continued as goal umpire for five seasons. In the following years, Bruce assisted in other match day positions. Adam played through juniors and went on to play “A” reserves.

In 1999 Bruce became involved in the senior “a” grade side when he volunteered to be the umpires escort for the season. The following year, in 2000, the side was without a team manager, and Bruce was asked if he would be interested in filling the role. It would be an easy job and he would have plenty of assistance to help him out. He reluctantly agreed to do the job for one season.

It’s now 2011 and Bruce has held the team manager position for the last 12 years. It’s been an up and down journey with the club narrowly avoiding relegation, to winning a premiership in 2005 in extra time. Backed up with another flag in 2006, and culminating with another great effort to win another flag in 2011. Bruce was also involved as a member of the club committee for five years between 2006 and 2010, mainly being involved in grounds and maintenance and general duties around the club.

Moving forward: it’s now the end of season 2015 and the mores have finished fifth and missed finals. But between 2011 and 2015 the mores did pick up another flag in 2014 against Aberfeldie by 2 points, and yes, Bruce has just completed his 16th year as senior team manager.