Ready to serve: Collingullie Wagga Demons Football Netball Club assistant vice-president Austin Wise. Photo: Supplied.
Their clubs might be separated by 200 km, the nation’s longest river and a state border to boot, but their commitment to community and love of sport put them side by side on the field of volunteering.
Collingullie Wagga Demons Football Netball Club assistant vice-president Austin Wise and North Wangaratta Football & Netball Club stalwart Shane Matheson represent everything that’s good about local sport.
Not the towering torpedo, “specky” out of the pack, or snap launched deep from the pocket. Their contribution starts well before the centre bounce and long after the final siren – arranging parking, running raffles, and of course, hard at work on the grill of the club barbie.
Thanks to their unwavering commitment and boundless energy, both men have been recognised among Australia’s local barbecue heroes as part of Bunnings’ nationwide Legend of the Tongs search.
Collingullie Wagga has produced AFL players Matt Kennedy (Western Bulldogs) and Harry Perryman (Collingwood), along with three VFL players. All still return to reconnect with where their football journeys began.
Austin’s work with the Demons takes place well away from the spotlight.
He’s on gate duty, busily flipping snags on Thursday nights and first in line for working bees to help get the next club fundraiser off the ground.
It’s a level of commitment born out of watching too many country clubs fold from lack of volunteers and his determination to make sure Collingullie Wagga never faces the same fate.
“I started following the club about 15 years ago and already knew some of the blokes there,” Austin says. “I was asked to help on the barbecue one Thursday night, and that one night turned into years.
“It’s a good club with good country people – the kind who make you feel like you belong the moment you walk in.”
Tonged up: North Wangaratta Football & Netball Club’s Shane Matheson (right) gets the hot plate ready with senior coach Corey Smith. Photo: Supplied.
That same sense of belonging also runs deep for Shane. His connection to the North Wangaratta club spans three generations, with his parents, wife and now his son playing active roles.
Shane’s been a driving force behind his local football club for more than 35 years, first joining as a reserves player at age 20 and volunteering ever since.
From fronting barbecues and selling raffle tickets to supporting community events, he’s helped the club overcome the loss of its home ground for two years and foster a strong culture that sees 35 to 40 players attend training each week.
He’s also witnessed premiership success as a player and committee member. But for a life member, there’s so much more than on-field success.
“A local football club is far more than a sporting organisation,” Shane says. “It becomes a second home – a place where lifelong friendships are made, memories are created, and generations come together.
“After countless hours of service, dedication and support, the club becomes a big part of who you are. Watching players develop, seeing the club grow, and knowing you’ve contributed to its success brings a sense of pride and belonging. Go Hawks!”
As part of both volunteers’ recognition in the Legend of the Tongs, their clubs will each receive a barbecue prize pack valued at more than $585.
Shane and Austin are also in the running to score a trip for two to attend the Toyota AFL Grand Final, be crowned the overall Legend of the Golden Tongs, and win $25,000 in Bunnings products and materials for their club.
The competition, which forms part of Bunnings’ 12th year in partnership with the AFL and runs across 18 weeks of the 2026 season, recognises grassroots volunteers throughout AFL and AFLW communities.
Head of Community, Sponsorship and Events at Bunnings, Michelle Walter says the initiative celebrates contributors who make local footy possible.
“Legend of the Tongs is all about recognising the heart of Australian rules football – the more than 200,000 volunteers who show up week in, week out to support their clubs,” Michelle says.
“Following a hugely successful first year, we were proud to bring Legend of the Tongs back in 2026, delivering practical equipment and support that helps grassroots AFL and AFLW clubs focus on what matters most – their people and their community.”
Nominations are still open, with winners announced weekly. Entries close on 16 August. Know a barbecue legend? Nominate your local footy club’s Legend of the Tongs.
