More than 60 sponsors and guests of the Old Paradians’ Association Amateur Football Club have mixed with sporting identities at the club's annual sponsors gathering at South Yarra’s The Botanical by Domain Road.

In the house was the owner of three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva Tony Santic (pictured here with OPs Daniel Spitty (2002) and Mick Harford (1992)), former Melbourne President Paul Gardner AM and former Richmond and Melbourne ruckman Andy Goodwin.

Also present were former League footballers and Old Paradians Matt Ryan (1984) and Daniel Harford (1994) – the latter capably acting as MC in interviewing special guest the Brisbane and former Carlton and Collingwood Football Club CEO Greg Swann.

The football club’s games record holder Peter Brabender, the former Old Paradians player, coach and President Maurie Considine and his sons Brendon, Paul and Matthew were also present, as was former Old Paradians senior coach Phil Gaut (1976) and current 1^st XVIII joint coach Ben Turner.

Dale McCann (1979), who has championed the club’s sponsorship cause over the past three years, said that the gathering at The Botanical was “a day set aside to show the clubs appreciation for the generous support that our sponsors provide”.

“Essentially, if it wasn’t for the amazing efforts of our sponsors then our club would struggle to exist,” Dale said.

One auction item – ten per cent of a strapping Dalghar colt donated by OTI Racing & Bloodstock’s Terry Henderson (1966) – went to the Considine clan as the successful bidder.

Tony Santic then put up an all-inclusive gourmet lunch for 20 people and an opportunity to view the three-time Cup-winning mare, with Accurate Financial’s Chris Jackson (1978) the successful bidder.

Anyone connected with the Old Paradians and Parade College communities interested in lending their support to the club (which next year celebrates the 90^th anniversary of its existence) is urged to contact Dale on dmcann@omni-care.com.au or 0411 662668.

To view all images of the OPAAFC's sponsors gathering, go to the Gallery section at the bottom of the homepage.