On reflection, the Education Department was indirectly responsible for the revival Avoca eventually underwent at the turn of the decade.
For many years, Geoff Calder, a school teacher, had given Natte-Bealiba outstanding service.
When he came to work and live in Avoca in 1978, his football loyalties also transferred.
Although he was classed as a good reserves footballer, it soon became obvious his expertise was administration.
Although he did not become an official until the following year, it was 1978 when Geoff started work on a recruiting blueprint that would ultimately build Avoca into a football power.
Geoff played a key role in enticing several top young players from Ballarat Teachers College.
But the boldest move was the signing of Dennis Ross, one of Natte-Bealiba’s first sons, as Coach.
Others recruited included student teachers Tony Haddow – Rochester, Gerard Darcy – Donald, and Bruce Sartori – Horsham Imperials, Ray Martin, the son of former Coach, Max Martin, was recruited from Primrose whilst top Dunolly footballers, Mick Spencer and Ron Deledio were amongst the new faces.
Deledio, who worked at the National Bank, was appointed assistant coach.
The Senior and reserves players list was: Richard Field, Robert Rayner, Keith Johnson, Tony Wines, Dale Templeton, Peter Blair, Phillip McKechnie, Brian Coghlan, John Evans, Peter Drummond, Kevin Matthews, Victor Jenkins, Geoff Drummond, John Jess, Peter Coghlan, Leon Bradley, Lloyd and Rowan Astbury, Ross Dawson, Ron Deledio, John Dridan, Dennis Ross, David Bramwell, Tony Haddow, Wallace Constable, Darren Curtis, Bob Evans, Ron Field, Pat Harrison, Greg Thompson, Michael Barker, Garry McArdle, Phonse Liddle, Gerard Darcy, Mick Pickett, Bruce Sartori, John Clohesy, Wayne Veitch, Phillip Dridan, Lee Richards, Geoff Hunter, John Wallace, Paul Constable, Gerald Meagher, Greg Morley, Bob Pora, Daryl Wardlaw and Geoff Calder.
After being on top of the ladder all season, Avoca lost the last match and were relegated to third position and played in the first semi final against Moonambel.
Avoca led throughout to win the match by 28 points.
FIRST SEMI FINAL
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Avoca
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4.3
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8.10
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11.11
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17.14.116
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Moonambel
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3.10
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5.15
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9.20
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11.22.88
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Avoca Goals: Geoff Drummond 3, Gerard Darcy 3, Brian Coghlan 2, Victor Jenkins 2.Wayne Veitch 2, Dennis Ross 2, Tony Haddow 1, John Evans 1, George Wardlaw 1.
Avoca Best: Ron Field, Victor Jenkins, Dennis Ross, Brian Coghlan, Leon Bradley.
Despite losing to Navarre by 32 points in the preliminary final, Avoca’s young players gained invaluable experience.
PRELIMINARY FINAL
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Avoca
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6.3
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9.4
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14.9
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18.13.121
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Navarre
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4.1
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9.11
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14.14
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23.15.153
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Avoca Goals: Gerard Darcy 6, Dennis Ross 3, Peter Blair 3, Brian Coghlan 2, Wayne Veitch 2, Geoff Drummond 1, Tony Haddow 1.
Avoca Best: Ron Field, Wayne Veitch, Leon Bradley, Ray Martin, Dennis Ross, Gerard Darcy.
It was a similar story in the Reserves and Under 15’s with Avoca being beaten in their respective Preliminary finals.
RESERVES PRELIMINARY FINAL
Avoca 7.7.49 to Navarre 9.7.61
Avoca Goals: Keith Johnson 3, Darren Curtis 2, Tony Wines 1, Geoff Calder 1.
Avoca Best: Dale Templeton. Bruce Farnsworth, Tony Wines, Peter Coghlan, Keith Johnson.
UNDER 15 PRELIMINARY FINAL
Avoca 4.2.26 to Lexton 12.11.83
Avoca Goals: Greg Jess 2, David Edwards 1, Peter Constable 1.
Avoca Best: Wayde Thiele, Craig Trickey, Greg Jess, Gavin Clohesy, David Edwards.
Veteran Ron Field won the Senior Best & Fairest award from Wayne Veitch.
Tony Haddow was Best Under 20 and Phillip McKechnie Best Under 18.
With 38 goals, Brian Coghlan topped Avoca’s goal kicking for the fifth time, before bringing down the curtain on a brilliant career at the age of 30 years.
The Reserves Best & Fairest winner was Dale Templeton from Daryl Wardlaw.
Wayde Thiele was the Under 15 Best & fairest and Greg Jess was Runner Up.
David Bramwell was voted Best Clubman.
The seniors premiership was won by Lexton who defeated Navarre.
go to 1979
