The Brisbane Lions have celebrated the life of football administration manager Nicole Duncan after she passed away on Saturday.
Duncan was a seasoned veteran in the world of Australian Football and was heralded for her remarkable career at the Brisbane Lions, where she served as the football administration manager.
Her journey with the club, which spanned over 30 years, made her the longest-serving employee; a testament to her dedication and impact on the club.
Nicole's career with the Brisbane Lions began in a pivotal moment of transition, as she took over the role from Wendy Beachley, who later became Wendy Eade, marrying the renowned player and coach Rodney Eade.
Brisbane Lions CEO Greg Swann paid tribute to Duncan as part of a Sunday club release.
"She was a true Lions legend even though she never played," Swann said of the club's 31-year football administration manager.
"She ran everything in the football department with a minimum of fuss and was never fazed by anything.
"Football clubs at every level are made up of the people involved and I would say that no one in the history of the Lions had a bigger influence on the players, coaches and the workings of the club."
Senior coach Chris Fagan spoke highly of not only her character but her expertise within her role.
"Her work was her passion and she was an expert at her role. She wanted nothing but the best for our club and her daily aim was to serve the Lions with purpose and efficiency. Without doubt, she achieved her goal consistently over a 30-year career," said Fagan.
"My wife Ursula, daughters Jessica & Ellen and I loved her dearly. She made us all feel so welcome at the club and part of the family.
"To me, she is a hero because every day she let her work and actions do the talking. She never complained and took so much pride in everything she did.
"People like her are the heart and soul of a football club. There is no doubt she has left an enduring legacy for all of us to follow."
Under her administration, Nicole worked with seven different coaches, including Robert Walls, John Northey, Roger Merrett, Leigh Matthews, Michael Voss, Justin Leppitsch, and Chris Fagan.
Her tenure saw the club through 713 of its 845 games, encompassing every one of the club's 37 finals, and she worked alongside 263 of the club's 346 players.
Duncan is survived by her husband Brian, as well as children Mitchell and Jade.
"Words can't describe how much we'll miss her," a family statement read.
"She lit up every room with her sunny smile and always knew how to make people laugh. She lived an extraordinary life filled with adventure, laughter and love."
