Bluey sports a classic name

By Glen Atwell
CONTRARY to popular belief, Wayne ‘Bluey’ Humphreys did not get his nickname from the blue esky, affectionately named “wheelie”, that attends every football and cricket match with him.
In fact, Bluey was around long before Wayne even knew what a “cold Vic” was.
“Bluey came from my red hair, my dad was known as Bluey, and he had red hair as well.
“His mates started calling me Bluey as well, and the rest is history,” Wayne explains.
Bluey said that his hair was not as red as it once was, but the nickname has stuck, and refuses to budge.
“Most people don’t even know my first name, its Bluey to anyone and everyone,” he said.
Bluey follows local cricket and football, but admits he has a distinct advantage because he is a proud supporter of two clubs.
“I played at Berwick, but when my mate Steve Clydesdale started coaching at Beaconsfield Cricket Club, I came across.
“So during winter, I’m a 60/40 supporter, 60 per cent Berwick and 40 per cent Beaconsfield,” Bluey said.
He said his split passion causes a lot of trouble.
“I get flak from the boys about supporting two teams.
“And this year I think my 40 percent passion for Beaconsfield is doing a lot better than the Berwick boys,” he laughed.
Some believe the Bluey nickname came from the blue esky Wheelie, one of Wayne’s most loved possessions.
“Wheelie comes with me everywhere, he is allowed inside when we get home.
“And he even has his own room,” Wayne laughed.
But Bluey is concerned about a new nickname being thrown around by his mates.
“They’ve started calling me bangers. I think it’s because I love my barbecues.
“But I prefer Bluey,” Wayne said.
This coming season, Wayne is a fulltime supporter, after playing Veterans Cricket for the last few years.
“I enjoyed it, but the knees have given way,” he said.
Luckily for Bluey, ‘Wheelie’ doubles as a seat.