The 1954 VFL premiership cup won by Footscray took up temporary residence last week at the Millicent Football Netball clubrooms at McLaughlin Park.

It was brought by senior club official Linda West from the Footscray/Western Bulldogs HQ at the Western Oval in Melbourne to Millicent for the funeral on Thursday of 1954 Footscray premiership full-back Herb Henderson.

A Western Bulldogs guernsey was also displayed as a tribute.

Around 250 mourners including past Millicent football and bowling club teammates and Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll paid their respects at the funeral held at the clubrooms.

The hearse was driven around the oval at the end of the hour-long service with the siren sounding as it left the hallowed turf.

Mr Henderson died on July 31 at the age of 91 after having lived in Millicent since 1959.

The service was conducted by Tim Frost of the Millicent Salvation Army Corps.

“We are here to farewell Herb Henderson – a great man,” Mr Frost said.

Warm tributes were also paid by three of his grandchildren and son-in-law David Smith.

His prowess and commitment to such sports as football, basketball and lawn bowls were explained by Glen Tilley and Brian Brooksby.

Some of Mr Henderson’s great grandchildren wore Western Bulldogs guernseys while grandsons Andrew Smith and Trevor Smith wore his blazers.

The blazers came from the Millicent Bowling Club and the Victorian Football League.

They fitted perfectly as they both stand 195cm (6’2”) tall and they are the same height as their late grandfather.

The recorded music played at the funeral included the Western Bulldogs theme song and When the Saints Go Marching In.