By DAVID NAGEL
THE local football community is in deep mourning after one of the great players of the modern era, Beau Miller, passed away peacefully at home this morning (Thursday, 14 July).
The champion midfielder lost a short and aggressive battle against cancer, leaving behind wife Stephanie and two young boys under the age of four.
The 34-year-old faced many challenges during a glittering career that saw him win two league best and fairest awards and earn selection in the Casey Cardinia Football League Team of the Year five times.
Miller’s first Norm Walker Medal in 2007 came after receiving intensive radiation treatment to battle a life-threatening bout of eye cancer during October 2006. The then 26-year-old said the experience had changed his outlook on life.
“A lot of things were put back into perspective and this award means a fair bit to me,” Miller said.
“It makes you appreciate the small things that happen much more. Football meant so much more to me this year just because I was able to get out there and play. It was like I was 21 again,” he smiled.
Miller’s football career had gone full circle.
Starting with Devon Meadows, he played with the Springvale Scorpions before moving to Tooradin. He had a one-year stint with Pakenham in 2008 before returning to Tooradin and making the emotional move back to Devon Meadows in 2014.
Acting Tooradin president Jeremy Knight said the club was devastated by Miller’s passing.
“We are all just truly saddened and send our best wishes to Beau’s wife Stephanie and his family.” Knight said.
“Beau was an icon of local football, a coach of our club, and an absolute gentleman in football and life itself. He had such a positive influence on those lucky enough to have been touched by him.”
Knight said the club would further acknowledge Miller’s outstanding contribution to both the club and the game in due course.
