With twelve months of experience as President under his belt, John Field started to exert his influence.
The club wasted no time in deciding that Ray “Bluey” Marshall (pictured) was the man to resurrect the club.
Bluey, a tall, solid redhead, had a long and distinguished career with Maryborough and was regarded as the best ruckman in the Ballarat league.
Two other former Maryborough Players Nev Oliver and Tom Passalick were also enticed to Avoca.
Suddenly the Bulldogs were out of the cold as they rose up the ladder, finishing two games outside the four.
Tom Passalick won the Club Best & Fairest from Bill Wardlaw, with Brian Coghlan and Gary McKenzie winning the Best Under 20 and Best Under 18 respectively.
For the second consecutive year, Des Taggart won the club Goalkicking.
The Reserves Best & Fairest was won by Robert Phieffer, whilst one slender vote cost Col Evans his second Lexton League Reserves Best & Fairest award.
Col was overshadowed by Lexton’s Barry Augustine.
Eddie Wardlaw was Avoca’s Best Player in the Under 15’s, with Laurence “Lonny” Vernon, Pat Harrison and Tony Pora other trophy winners.
Lexton defeated Natte Bealiba to win the premiership by 10 points.
go to 1968
