By Stuart Kavanagh
Broken Hill has lost one of its true local footballing heroes with Peter Bongetti passing away last Sunday at age 68.
A true legend of Broken Hill football, he won two Premierships with West senior side as a player in 1978 and 1980, before coaching West reserves to a flag in the 2000s.
He would also go on to play 85 games for South Broken Hill. One of those games for the Roo’s was in the 1990 Grand Final.
Despite being on the losing side that year to his old side West, Peter was awarded the best-on-ground award by the Sunday Mail.
Saturday will close friend and former teammate David Sedunary dedicate his morning radio show on 2Dry FM to his old friend.
Still emotional at the passing of his good mate, David described Peter as an all-round good bloke.
“On the pitch, he was courageous, skilful, tough and well balanced,” said David.
“He was a brilliant player. Just a terrific bloke, with a beautiful family.”
Speaking of his family, thanks to Peter’s daughter Erin, who played a massive part in putting this story together. Here is a quote from her about her father.
“Dad absolutely loved his footy and to see everyone coming together to celebrate his love for the game has been so beautiful for us as a family to witness.
“When I was asked to describe my Dad, I really struggled to find the words. I mean, how do you summarise a person like him?
“He was as devoted off the field as he was on it, which made him the ultimate dad, husband, papa and friend. He was so funny, loved a joke and most of the time had you laughing at your own expense.
He was a chatterbox, a presence but most of all he was so loveable.
“He leaves a big legacy and an even bigger hole that will never be filled.
All I hope is that he’s looking down on us with the biggest smile on his face.”
One of Peter’s final wishes was to get an article re-published that described a match where he and his brother dominated South back in his West days.
It is our pleasure here at the Barrier Truth to make that happen.
