For anyone that played for Lugarno FC throughout the 90s & early 2000s & celebrated our end of season picnic down at Evatt park will remember warm October Sundays, by the dam, perhaps drinking a few cold beverages with a complementary Lugarno FC Chicken roll.. But more importantly you will remember the dulcet tones of the man wrangling everyone into line to present coach & managers or perpetual trophies & perhaps heckling a few of our senior players..

Phil was introduced to & joined Lugarno FC in 1991 upon his return from living overseas convinced by his younger brother to join and play alongside each other in the men's premier league team where Phil continue to play for almost ten years in bright tangerine. Phil was a diverse player and an avid Goal Keeper which many will know Phil as today throughout his stints within the latter half of his playing career. It only took 2 years for Phil to be convinced to join the committee assisting in the clubs even coordination for which the club would frequently host variety shows led by the amazing Ron Benjamin.

During this time Phil would not only assist in organizing these throughout the season but would first and foremost have the Premier League teams assist in bringing these to life and being a raging success but Phil would also be one of the main attractions for entertainment and star in many of these shows over the years. To his beautiful wife Cath Willkie’s delight we are sure!

Ron had convinced Phil & being the well respected man that Ron was Phil joined the committee which would in 1993 see Phil transition into the Vice President role for over a decade supporting the club until he received his life membership in 2006. Phil served under 4 x presidents during this time; Ron Benjamin, Wayne Bracken, Tom McLoughlin & Greg Harris.

Phil also stepped into coaching alongside Mick Burt from the Under 6s when sons Jake & Josh would commence their playing careers within the club. Phil would coach through till 2015 when the boys reached the Under 17/18s respective teams for which they featured in every grand final excluding 2 during this time – A pretty successful track record for team performance that we are sure is a combination of outstanding talent but a great coach & manger team as well!

Phil took a few years off & returned to play for the Over 35s for an 8 year stint that of which Phil remembers winning an all mighty grand final at Scarborough park against Rangers a massive 8-0! A memorable game with an even more memorable team! Whilst Phil has had an extremely successful playing career, has continued to be a true Lugarno FC advocate for almost 30 years we can’t go passed the amazing support of his wife Cath & boys Jake & Josh for which Phil has shared many amazing moments & memories alongside his family over this time.

The most memorable & our favorite Phil Wilkie moment comes from the 1997 Variety Show where Steve Bennett introduced ‘Benno & the Boys’ to the LFC audience at the masonic club to their own rendition of ‘The Full Monty’ now strictly warned by the club that there was to be no nudity given the audience and especially in a public auditorium.. however Phil & Co not ones to back down from a challenge decided to complete the full show and at the last second Benno & the Boys all dropped their dacks in true ‘Full Monty’ Form – In Phil’s words ‘I’ve never seen the lights in an auditorium turn off so quick!’

What we love about Phil is his passion & commitment that he brings to Lugarno FC, full of so many memories & wanting nothing but the best for the club. He continues to make people smile, be a true larrikin throughout the club but always putting family first & that’s what makes him a true LFC member.