The Eltham Rugby Union Club extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Terry O’Neill, a much-loved member of our community whose contribution to the club’s early years helped shape its enduring spirit.
Terry O’Neill was both a dedicated player and a committed volunteer for the first decade of Eltham’s Rugby Union Club – a period that concluded with the club securing its very first Premiership flag. His leadership qualities did not go unnoticed, as evidenced by his selection as team captain during the club’s inaugural season in 1971 and later as player/coach. Terry continued to play a crucial role on the field until the team’s triumphant victory in the 1980 Grand Final.
LEADERSHIP AND PLAYING CAREER
As First Team Captain and later Captain/Coach, Terry offered insightful reflections on the team’s performance. At the conclusion of the 1975 season, he observed that the team’s true potential only began to shine midway through the season, as improvements in aggression and fitness translated into on-field success. He also noted that the team’s camaraderie extended beyond the pitch, with players holding their own in post-match activities.
Terry’s playing style is illustrated by the captions of faded match day photographs found in the club’s annual publications. Memorable titles include:
- O’Neill makes a break
- Terry O’Neill once more with feeling
- O’Neill flies at Brighton
- O’Neill takes the plunge v Monash
YARRA VALLEY 1972
Back Row: Vernon Fisher, Dale Hough, Jim Burnett, Brendan Giffeney, Terry O’Neill, Keith Radke, Peter (Bluey) Burles
Centre: Haruki (Harry) Naito, Des Barker, Nelson Handyside, Neil Nicholson, Graham Crabbe, Bob Edwards, Jimmy Edgell
Front Row: Bill Henry, Gordon Harrop, Rod Tate, Dave Evans, Bruce Hill, Ray (Pommy) Morton
LIFE BEYOND RUGBY
Off the field, Terry’s time with the club led to romance when he met Margaret, the sister-in-law of his teammate Randall Cross. The couple married and eventually settled in Ballarat, where Terry worked at Ballarat University.
COMMEMORATION
After a prolonged illness, Terry passed away peacefully on 17 September 2025, surrounded by his loving wife Margaret, their three children, and five grandchildren.
The family warmly invites all Eltham Members who knew Terry to join in celebrating his life on Sunday, 19 October.
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