Whilst Avoca spent the summer months basking in the sea of glory of its new found success, the symptoms of a premiership hangover began to emerge when the new season opened for business.
The club appointed top Murtoa footballer, Jack Baker, as Captain and Coach.
However, the departure of Ken Boots and Noel Jess proved to be a big handicap. Both had been key players in Avoca’s rise to power.
John Bowen(pictured), Mike Cleary and Bill Gollop were all selected in the Lexton League side.
Despite his brilliant form, Ian Grant was named emergency for the representative team, with the full forward spot being filled by Frank Driscoll.
The Navarre spearhead kicked 127 goals for the season, and was instrumental in his side winning the premiership.
Ian Grant still retrained his grip on the limelight, by booting 11 goals in one match and nine on two other occasions.
Grant finished the season with 87 goals, a remarkable effort, considering Avoca failed to make the finals.
He also coached the junior side during the final series.
Avoca’s Best & Fairest award was won by Mike Cleary, ahead of Jim McKenzie and John Jolly.
The team list for 1954 was:
Jack Baker, Ian Grant, Trevor Wren, John Jolly, G Warren, Bill Gollop, J Dorward, Mike Cleary, Stan Robson, Alan Pora, Keith Astbury Jnr., Kevin Lindsay, John Bowen, Ken Bowen, Brian Lindsay, Jack Hutchison, Gordon Johnston, Jack Lever, Jim McKenzie, Ross Smith, Jock McDougall, Dennis Lindsay, Bob Hunter, Kevin V Harrison, Vic Kuchell, Bill Prosser, Ivan Redpath, Ern Streeter and Frank Wren.
Go to 1955
