The League lost one of its Life Members last week with the passing of Bill Pleydell.
Bill was recruited to Maffra from Stratford in 1960 and he was the starting centre in Maffra's first game in the LVFL. His impact was immediate, winning the senior best and fairest in his rookie year which would lay the foundation for a long and successful career. Moving to defence later in his playing life he became a cornerstone of Maffra teams as the club made the transition for the GL to the LVL. Hs heroics in a low scoring thriller against Heyfield in the final home and away game in 1964 including a 'speccy' in the dying moments greatly contributed to a narrow Maffra win and a spot in the LVFL finals for the first time.
In 1965 Bill played his 100th senior game for the club and confirmed his status as a player of great quality winning his second best & fairest award. Bill played his last senior game in the first round of 1971 but remained with the club to become a stalwart in the reserves being named Maffra’s best in the 1972 reserves Grand Final and wining two reserve best and fairest awards. His last game for the club was in 1976.
He made a huge contribution off the field including coaching the reserves side in 1973 & 1981, coaching the Thirds side in 1964-67, Treasurer from 1964-67 & 1969, Secretary from 1970-76 & also 1988-90 and was club president in 1994.
Bill was awarded life membership to he league in 1997.
Above: Bill Pleydell (right) with mate Jim Hill (left) at the 2016 TRFM Gippsland League presentation night
Information provided by Maffra FNC.
Last Modified on 25/07/2018 12:01