Three greats of gotafe GVFL were honoured with life membership of the league on Sunday and at the Morrison Medal on Monday night at Mooroopna.
At half time at the first semi-final at Kyabram on Sunday, League President, Trevor POLLARD, presented veteran journalist, Garry “Gus” UNDERWOOD with Life Membership in the press box at the Kyabram Recreation Reserve while Kyabram FC board member, Carolyn CURNOW pinned the life medal on Gus.
It was appropriate the presentation was made in the press box because the recipient has spent many hours there covering football and cricket for the Kyabram Free Press and other media outlets for more than 50 years.
Another reason for the presentation in the press box is the fact Gus is recovering from a total knee replacement and not at his slickest, not that he ever was the fastest athlete to come out of Kyabram but he did play plenty of games for the Bombers and coached their thirds when former Melbourne champion, Garry LYON, was a young man on the doorstep of a great football career.
Kyabram’s present day coach, David “Dirty” WILLIAMS was another to receive life membership from Trevor POLLARD at Monday night’s Morrison medal count.
The former Rochester boy who went on to play 67 games with Melbourne between 1983 and ’88 when he played in a losing grand final side, became the Tigers coach in 1992, winning a premiership in his first season as coach. He went on to coach for 16 years and won his next flag in 1999 going very close in other September campaigns.
He took over as coach of Kyabram in 2008 and won a premiership with the Bombers last season while striving to win consecutive flags this season.
Dave, who brought a unique coaching style to the GVFL, learned his trade under the legendary Ron BARASSI, showing fierce determination and loyalty to his club and players, like his mentor. He coached the GVFL to a win over the Ovens and Murray in 2000 at Lavington, however, lost to Geelong at Geelong the same year.
Trevor spoke of the great contribution Dave has made to football in the Goulburn Valley and his impact on young players.
Ken DANIEL is a veteran administrator of the Seymour FC and was “recruited” in 1991 as treasurer of the Lions who have enjoyed considerable success while he has helped out his good mate and secretary, Garry BROWN, who was made an elected life member in 2002.
In addition to his treasurer’s role, Ken has been an astute time keeper for the Lions and the GVFL.
Last Modified on 28/03/2015 19:37
