Jarrad Forlonge (left) and Toby Serafin (right) both joined the Roos back in 2014 as 18- and 17-year-olds respectively. Since then, they’ve gone on to become premiership players, multiple award winners, and this year both reached the huge milestone of 150 games in the blue and white. From talented young guns to inspirational leaders, Toby and Jarrad embody everything the club stands for. The Roos are beyond proud to see them join the exclusive Life Members club and know they’ll always be part of the Roos family.
In a testament to their unwavering dedication and significant contributions, Jarrad Forlonge and Toby Serafin have been bestowed with the distinct honour of Yass Roos Football Club life membership.
The announcement celebrates over a decade of commitment from the pair, who joined the club as teenagers and have become integral to its fabric, both on and off the field.
Jarrad and Toby’s journey began 11 years ago when they joined the Yass Roos as promising 17 and 18-year-olds. They are now the 16th and 17th life members, a milestone that is even more significant, as they are the seventh and eighth players to meet the stringent criteria.
Both have played over 150 games for the club, a feat achieved by fewer than 10 players in the club’s history. Together, they’ve shared the triumphs of a premiership victory and numerous individual awards, cementing their legacy as two of the club’s finest.
“It was a great honour to be recognised by the Club in that way alongside Toby Serafin,” Jarrad said, reflecting on the shared milestone.
“It was fitting getting it at the same time as Toby; we came into the club together… and now we’re becoming life members… It’s been great fun.”
While Toby Serafin’s on-field brilliance has been a constant source of inspiration, Jarrad Forlonge’s impact extends far beyond the boundary line. His leadership journey began with captaining and coaching, culminating in his current role as club president.
In his four-year tenure, the club has experienced unprecedented growth and success. Under his stewardship, the Yass Roos have introduced a women’s team, a move that has invigorated the club and community.
“The women’s team has just added so much to the club, not just as a football team, but just the different personalities, different people, new people,” Jarrad remarked.
The inclusion has been a resounding success, reflected in the record attendance at the club’s recent presentation night. “It was the biggest turnout that we’ve ever had for a night like that, which is obviously largely thanks to the women’s team,” he added.
The club’s success isn’t limited to its senior teams. The junior program, Oz-kick, has also seen remarkable growth, with over 60 children participating this year—nearly double the usual number. This robust development pathway, from juniors to men’s and women’s teams, paints a picture of a club in its best-ever position.
“I honestly don’t think the club’s been in a better position than what it is now, both on the field and off the field,” Jarrad stated, attributing the success to strong community relationships, dedicated sponsors, and a hard-working committee.
The men’s team is poised to enter Division One, and with an average age of just 22, the future looks bright for competitive football for years to come. As the Yass Roos celebrate their 23rd anniversary since re-establishing in 2002, the dual induction of Jarrad Forlonge and Toby Serafin serves as a powerful symbol of their enduring legacy and the thriving health of the club they have helped build. Their story is a testament to the power of commitment and the profound impact two individuals can have on a community.
– Tully Potts
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