This weekend we celebrate the Paul Hopper Cup for the 12th year.
Paul Hopper was a much-loved senior football player and committee member for Thomastown, and a driving force behind the formation and success of the St Mary’s Senior Football Club.
The Paul Hopper Cup commenced in 2013 and stands as a tribute to his legacy and the deep connection he shared with both clubs.
Paul’s journey with St Mary’s began alongside his wife Donna, when their sons, Nathan and Marc, joined the junior club. Both boys would go on to play in St Mary’s inaugural senior team in 2009 — a season Paul helped bring to life as a founding member and inaugural committee member of the Senior Club.
Across his time our club, Paul held several key roles — Social & Merchandising Manager (2009), Club Secretary (2010–2011), and Vice President in 2012, a position he held until his passing.
Paul’s passion, leadership and commitment were instrumental in building the strong, community-driven senior club we have today. In 2023, he was posthumously awarded Life Membership as recognition of his impact.
Former Club President and Paul’s friend Tom Chapman shared:
“Paul was the kind of bloke who never asked for credit — he just got things done, and always with a smile. He loved this club and the people in it. You felt that every time you saw him.”
Take a look through some photos of Paul’s time at St Mary’s and previous Paul Hopper Cup matches 👇
SMFNC 