Shepparton Golf legend Brad Orr on his career and future plans

Now, a Goulburn Valley Playing Area Hall of Famer before his mid-30s.

In the realm of Goulburn Valley bowls Brad Orr is a name that indeed requires no introduction.

Revered across the bounds of the Allan Matheson Shield and beyond, Orr boasts an impeccable CV as an icon at Shepparton Golf.

Indeed, through Orr’s influence, observers of the GVPA would become accustomed to Shepparton Golf hoisting the top prize in a manner that one could compare to Essendon’s ‘‘Same Olds’’ of the pre-VFL 1890s.

As the 2023-24 AMS campaign gets under way Orr is once again at the forefront of his side’s operations after a year away from local coaching.

He took time to reflect on his most recent accomplishment, speaking to After the Jack last week.

“It’s a huge honour to get that (Hall of Fame) recognition,” Orr said.

“But you don’t set out to play bowls to get those accolades. You play for the enjoyment, the club and its members.

“So those special little accolades along the way are a little bonus.”

It would be easy to suggest that Orr, having completed virtually everything he possibly could within the GV, would seek challenges elsewhere.

Rather than suggest that, or that Shepparton Golf had become infallible during his reign, Orr instead focused on how other shield clubs could bridge the gap at the top.

“I probably could have gone to Melbourne and played bowls, but I’m a big believer (that) if you’re good enough, you’ll make it wherever you are,” Orr said.

“Being so good or being so successful and recruiting players, I don’t think it’s actually Golf doing things wrong.

“(Other clubs are) set in their ways ... they need to try and get into a football club mind.

“The recruiting, the fundraising, having social events, they need to do that bit of change before they progress.”

To have succeeded at a level few in the region could hope to match can only be accomplished with help along the way.

With a growing family, the support system around Orr is more critical than ever in order to juggle responsibilities.

“I’ve got a pretty supportive wife, Katie,” Orr said.

“Behind every good player, there’s obviously a great support and Katie’s mine.

“Without Mum, Dad and Katie, and all that family around the surrounding area, it wouldn’t be possible.”

This collaborative spirit drives his continued interest in getting around bowls, having grown to “hate singles”.

Nowadays, he exclusively embraces the team side of the sport to further his enjoyment.

“I probably don’t take it as serious as I once did,” Orr said.

“I’ve got three kids under six, a wife at home, so bowls isn’t the be-all, end-all for me anymore.

“If there’s someone there knocking on the door that’s a young one who ... really wants to go somewhere in bowls, I’ll be happy to step down next year.”