Tony te Wierik was one of the foundational players of Fortuna ’60 Soccer Club in Morwell, Victoria – known affectionately as the Orangemen, proudly reflecting their Dutch heritage and orange team colours.
Tony arrived in Australia in the mid-1950s as part of a large Dutch family aboard the Johan van Oldenbarnevelt. The family settled in the Latrobe Valley, one of the regions where postwar Dutch migration was especially strong. Alongside his brothers and Dutch friends, Tony helped establish Fortuna ’60, a club that would grow into one of the cornerstones of regional football in Victoria.
Though he initially played for other clubs in the Valley, he joined Fortuna in 1962 and played for twenty seasons. Over the course of his career, he picked up several Best and Fairest awards and became one of the club’s most reliable and admired players. His brothers and later his son also played for the club, continuing a proud family tradition.
Tony’s contributions to Fortuna ’60 were multifaceted. He was not only a founding member but also served the club in various capacities over the decades, including as a player, coach, and administrator. His dedication and service were recognised with life membership, underscoring his integral role in the club’s development and success.
Beyond the pitch, Tony was deeply involved in the broader Morwell community. He was known for his passion for cars and his commitment to his family. Tony and his wife, Joan, shared 62 years of marriage and raised a family that included children Rob, Eddie, and Donna, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Tony passed away peacefully at home on 23 April 2022, at the age of 82. His funeral was held at the Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel in Morwell on 2 May 2022. The Fortuna ’60 community mourned the loss of a man who had been a cornerstone of the club and a cherished member of the Dutch-Australian community in the Latrobe Valley.
