Vale Frank Fopiani

The St Mary’s Sporting Club is deeply saddened by the passing of our former premiership player and coach Frank Fopiani, after a brief illness. 

Frank joined St Mary’s in 2002 as an assistant coach after a very successful playing career at North Shore. In 2003, he stepped into the senior coaching role, leading St Mary’s to a drawn grand final before losing the replay. The following year, he achieved the ultimate success by winning the 2004 GFL premiership and was named best on ground against his former club, North Shore. Frank continued as a playing coach at St Mary’s until the end of the 2006 season, amassing 88 senior games and playing in three grand finals during his time at the Club.

Frank was honoured as the coach of St Mary’s 2000’s Team of the Decade and was also named the team’s first rover. His professionalism, leadership, and outstanding football skills left an indelible mark on St Mary’s Sporting Club. We are forever grateful for Frank’s pivotal role in our club’s success and development, which has left a lasting legacy. Frank was a humble family man who unassumingly touched and enriched many people’s lives. He will be sorely missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Silvia, Connor, and Paige — our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.