Life Blood of the Club - Brett Ticehurst
Brett Ticehurst - SMJFC Life Member
Brett Ticehurst is a Life Member of the South Mandurah Junior Football Club who has dedicated decades to the development of junior football and the growth of the club community. Through coaching, mentoring and volunteering, Brett has played a significant role in shaping generations of young footballers both on and off the field.
When asked how his involvement with the club began, Brett traces it back to the late 1980s while he was still playing senior football and helping with the local Auskick competition. However, his connection to the club grew even stronger when his son Sam began playing junior football in 1997. From there, Brett became heavily involved in coaching, guiding teams from Under-9s through to Under-16s from 1997 to 2006. In those days, there were no Under-18s competitions, with players progressing directly into Colts-level football. Following his years in junior football, Brett continued contributing to the game as a Colts coach at the South Mandurah senior level.
Looking back on the people who helped shape his time at the club, Brett fondly remembers names such as Terry Senior, Gil Turner, Radar Lutteral, David Tregenza, Glen McCulloch and Rob Edmondson. These individuals all played important roles in helping build the strong community culture that surrounds the club today.
When asked about his best memories, Brett reflects proudly on coaching an undefeated Under-12s side. One moment that particularly stands out was a narrow victory in Waroona during the final game of the season, securing the team’s unbeaten record. It remains one of his proudest achievements in football.
However, not every moment during Brett’s time at the club was easy. When discussing the toughest periods, he points to the divide in the club that led to the formation of the Halls Head Junior Football Club, a difficult and unpleasant experience for many involved.
When asked what advice he would pass on to people wanting to get involved in junior football, Brett emphasised the importance of ensuring kids enjoy the game. For him, junior football should focus on developing skills, encouraging teamwork and mateship, and allowing friendships to naturally grow through sport. Brett’s philosophy also extends to what he believes makes a strong junior football club. In his view, supportive parents and dedicated club committees are essential to creating a positive environment where young footballers can thrive.
Over the years, Brett has seen many talented players come through the club. When asked about the best players he has watched represent South Mandurah, he highlighted Tom McCulloch, Daniel Patching and Jessie Buck as standout footballers.
Today, Brett continues to contribute to the game as an assistant coach with the senior women’s side. Reflecting on the growth of women’s football, he believes the inclusion of female players has changed the culture of the senior club for the better. Brett praised the junior girls who have progressed through the club system, believing they have significantly improved the skill level and understanding of the game within the women’s program. He pointed to the team’s success as evidence of the program's strength, having appeared in four grand finals across a five-year span. Brett also highlighted players such as Sarah Smith and Saffron Axford as excellent examples of the talent emerging through the club.
Away from the football field, Brett’s passion for the game remains clear through his enormous collection of club memorabilia, including jumpers, trophies, and photographs displayed throughout his man shed. His lifelong dedication to football has also seen him become a Life Member not only of the junior club, but also of the South Mandurah senior club and veterans football.
Ultimately, Brett Ticehurst’s story is one of commitment, passion and service to the game of football. His decades of involvement have helped shape the culture and success of the South Mandurah Junior Football Club, making him a highly deserving Life Member and a true steward of the club.
Interview and Article by
Kevan Waters (SMJFC Life Member) & Jack Christon-Waters (SMJFC Junior)
