Stirling Football Club has paid tribute to one of its youngest league debutants in Johnny Ruffo, who passed away from brain cancer on Friday.
Posting on their Facebook page on the day of his passing, the club said a 16-year-old Ruffo joined the club in 2004 and was named captain of their reserves side that year.
“The club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Johnny Ruffo,” the post read.
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READ NOW“To the rest of the world, Johnny will be known for his amazing acting and singing talents, including appearances on X-Factor, Dancing With The Stars and Home and Away.
“However, to our club he will forever be known as the young kid with a remarkable football ability that burst on to the scenes as a 16-year-old.”
The post said Ruffo had joined the club with the intention of playing colts (under-19s), but the club was not able to field a colts team that year. Despite this, Ruffo impressed at the club and was named reserve captain before quickly getting the call up for his league debut.
“While others would have departed, Johnny’s courage and determination allowed him to play in the reserves side against stronger, older and bigger opponents,” the post said.
“Such was his talent and leadership at an early age, he was named as captain of the reserves side in 2004.
“It didn’t take long to realise that he was a player of the future and after just three rounds, Johnny made his league debut in the round 4 match against (Fremantle) CBC at the age of just 16 years 61 days.”
Ruffo’s debut in the league at such a tender age set a club record for the youngest league debut, which the club said “will likely stand for many years”.
“In 2005, the club reintroduced a colts side and Johnny played an important role in fielding a competitive side,” its post said.
“He dominated most games playing as a midfielder and by the end of the year he was rewarded with the Jack Freind Medal for the Colts Fairest & Best. Johnny continued playing colts in 2006 and he played across all grades in 2007.”
The Facebook post said Ruffo left the club in 2008 to pursue his dreams, which he was now so well-known for.
He played 64 games for Stirling Saints, comprising six league games, 14 for the reserves, eight for the thirds and 36 for colts.
“In recent years, just as he did on the field, Johnny battled bravely in his fight against brain cancer. He will forever be known as a determined and talented person that excelled in everything he set his mind to,” the club post said.
“The club wishes to send its most sincere condolences to Johnny’s family on this very sad loss.”
One of the comments on the club post was a touching tribute from a former team mate.
“Was lucky to play alongside him in is his first league game. The guy tore it apart. Great bloke. Condolences to all his family and friends. RIP Johnny,” it said.