SOUTH Wagga Cricket Club has farewelled the club's biggest supporter and contributor.
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Max Knight passed away in the hours following South Wagga's latest first grade premiership last Sunday week, aged 81.
His contribution to the club was unmatched, highlighted by him being the first person to be awarded 'legend' status at the Blues' centenary celebrations in 2019.
His son, Craig, revealed he took great joy of hearing about South Wagga's grand final victory in the moments before he passed.
"During the day...we gave him progress scores and when we won, you could clearly see in himself the excitement of yes, we did it again," Craig said.
"From there on, there was a nice, casual slowing of his breathing and it was a nice passing. He was hanging around to make sure, or to find out that they did actually win the premiership.
"It was part of him. Terry (Willis) made the comment that his blood was actually blue and it was a very true comment."
Club members and former players formed a guard of honour for Knight at his funeral last Friday.
Former South Wagga captain-coach, and Hall of Fame member, Terry Willis described Knight's contribution to the club as 'unparalleled'.
"Without a doubt," Willis said.
"That level of commitment and contribution would be unparalleled in most sporting clubs and associations in the Riverina.
"I joined 26 years ago and he was on the committee, he was at the scorer's desk every Saturday and was at the club every Saturday night. There was times earlier than that where he held every office bearers position at the club, he was president, secretary and treasurer. And that was when he was still playing.
"He was interested in the juniors and always wanted to know who was going well. He might have always been at first grade but he always wanted to know how the lower grades were going, and if first grade was out, he was at second grade or third grade or whoever."
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Willis remembers a couple of particular traits of Knight's best.
"He had passion for the win but he never had any negativity about it. He would never tread down on other clubs," Willis said.
"Then when it came to personal performance, if you'd had a bad day it was always about what you would do next week. He wasn't one to hang your head or carry on in the sheds for two hours, it was always moving on to next week straight away. He made people feel positive about themselves and where they sit at the club. It's a hell of a skill to have and not many have it.
"One of the things that resonated throughout the club is that when you first turned up, he would always make you feel welcome. And secondly, how you would strive to pay back the faith he showed in you as a player."
South Wagga president, and current player, Joel Robinson explained how Knight holds a very special place within the club.
"The players genuinely liked him and respected him, and he showed that back. Every week he would go around the dressing room and shake everyone's hand and have a conversation with them. He actually cared about the people and that care and respect was mutual," Robinson recalled.
"There were times when he held all positions and he was the face and backbone of the club. For me personally at times when I've held positions, he was always the one to ask questions or follow up that things were getting done. Even when he didn't have a position, he was always overseeing things."
Knight is survived by his wife Jean, sons Craig and Grant, and grandchildren Matthew and Alyshia.
A builder by trade, Knight will be dearly missed, particularly by those close to him.
"He was always giving right through his whole life, in not just cricket but in all forms," Craig said.
"Even after he passed, we got a phone call that through transplant, they had used his eyes so two people could have the value of sight."
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