The man who played a pivotal role in North Albury's most famous Ovens and Murray Football League premiership triumph with his powers of positivity has died.
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Peter "Wizard" Westland has battled illness for most of 2020 before his death, aged 67.
The coach of the Hoppers' 1984 against the odds premiership win, Martin Cross, has led the tributes for the captain of the team, who successfully led the Hoppers onfield from near financial oblivion to the flag sealed with a famous late goal from the boot of Morris medallist, Rudy Yonson.
"The word champion gets bandied about a lot," Cross said.
"Pete was a champion Ovens and Murray footballer and he was an absolute champion captain also.
"He wasn't a huge guy and we shifted him from a half-back flank to full-forward and he kicked 99 goals in our premiership year, but he probably gave another 30 away because he was so unselfish and so respected by everyone."
Westland was diagnosed with rheumatic fever in his teenage years and defied doctors' predictions he would never play team sport to carve out a superb football career which began in his hometown of Kerang before stints with Preston and Aberfeldie.
But his biggest impact would be at North Albury where he played for a decade from 1976, headlined by the 1980 and 1984 premierships and another grand final appearance in his final season, 1986.
He topped the Hoppers' goal-kicking in 1983, 1984, 1985 and 1986 and finished with 422 career goals.
Westland played 205 senior matches for the Hoppers and coached the club's reserves after he retired.
He also served in roles at the North Albury junior football club.
"He was always a happy bloke and was a huge personality," Cross said.
"He was non-judgmental of anyone and never got stuck into the players for making a mistake.
"He was always encouraging of his team-mates and a genuine leader."
Westland was also widely respected and formed many lasting friendships with people from rival clubs due in part to his positive outlook on life, according to close mate Rod Mullavey.
"If 'Westo' was about, you knew you were right because you had this anchor you could leverage off because he was so inclusive," Mullavey said.
"He was just a positive person from start to finish.
"He enjoyed life so much and really enjoyed seeing the positive side of everything."
Westland also dabbled in radio promoting O and M football alongside Merv King, Ron Montgomery, Bob Craig and Mullavey, among others.
His contribution extended to North Albury Sports Club where former general manager Rod Maclean recalled his loyalty and passion.
"I had a lot to do with Pete because I knew I could count on him," Maclean said.
"North Albury Football Club will never see anyone who contributed as much as Peter did.
"He did everything except coach the seniors.
"He came onto the sports club board and was a very good contributor."
Mr Westland is survived by wife Janet, children Michael and Sophie and families.