Damien Miller was a deeply loved coach, tireless volunteer, and a true cornerstone of the Mordialloc Braeside Junior Football Club (Mordi-Brae). His sudden passing has left a profound sense of loss that extends far beyond the boundary lines of the football field.
A devoted husband to his wife Jane and a proud, loving father to Isobel, Angus, and Lachlan, Damien lived a life defined by generosity, kindness, and an infectious positivity that lifted everyone fortunate enough to know him.
The Miller family joined the Mordi-Brae community in 2022 when Isobel began her football journey. In 2023, Angus and Lachlan followed in their sister’s footsteps, and from that point on, the family became inseparable from the fabric of the club.
Damien and Jane did not simply attend games or training sessions; they immersed themselves wholeheartedly in the life of the club. Whether it was coaching, managing, training, or lending a hand wherever it was needed, they were always the first to step forward, often supporting multiple teams at once.
Their commitment was never about recognition—it was driven by genuine care for the children, the sport, and the community that surrounded it. Damien’s coaching journey reflected the values he held close.
In 2023 and 2024, he served as Assistant Coach for Isobel’s team, bringing encouragement, patience, and joy to every training session and game day. In 2025, he stepped into the role of Head Coach, a season that would come to define his lasting legacy at Mordi-Brae.
Damien believed deeply in creating an environment where fun, confidence, and personal growth came first. He saw potential in every player and made sure they felt it too, affectionately referring to the girls as his “Superstars.”
That belief paid off in a way few will ever forget. Under Damien’s guidance, the team achieved an extraordinary 2025 Premiership victory, turning around a previous heavy defeat and transforming it into a moment of shared triumph.
The pride, joy, and pure happiness on Damien’s face as he celebrated with the girls is a memory that will forever live in the hearts of players, parents, and fellow coaches. It was not just a win on the scoreboard—it was a testament to the confidence, unity, and love he fostered within the team.
Beyond football, Damien was simply a beautiful human being. His warmth, humour, and genuine care for others made people smile just by being in his presence.
Alongside Jane—whose own contributions as team manager and trainer were invaluable—the Miller family embodied the very spirit of community sport: selflessness, connection, and heart.
