When Tom Austin MP, officially opened the $164,000 sporting complex at the Avoca Public Park, few people could envisage to what extent the facility would benefit the football netball club.
Not only did the Bulldogs have a home base of which they could be proud, they also had a solid foundation on which to generate revenue.
On reflection, it was a brave move by the Public Park Trustees, but one of vision.
Meanwhile back on the field the senior football team was still struggling and finished the season in sixth position.
The Senior and reserves playing list was:
Geoff Waldron, Steve Carey, Michael Coghlan, Graeme Alexander, Peter Jolly, Robert Redpath, David Veitch, Tony Stephenson, Robert Fraser, Darren Curtis, Steven Beavis, Jayson McLeish, Dean Jolly, Darren Edwards, Anthony Cudmore, Mark reeves, Steven Hunter, Mick Arrowsmith, Shane Clohesy, Paul Slater, Ashley Howell, Greg Wardlaw, Craig Lallard, Dale Marshall, Stuart McConachie, Robert Webb, Tony Slater, Damian Best, John Webb, Terry Edwards, David Charlesworth, David reeves, Scott Lewis, Peter Hunter, Rodney White, Gerard Best, John Lever, Kevin Harrison, Robert Rayner, Brendan Jolly, Robert Farnsworth, Dale Harrison and Frank Peck.
The policy of fostering youth was starting to bear fruit, with the Reserves and the Under 16’s both making the finals.
But in the First Semi Final, “Lady Luck” seemed to desert the Reserves team when they lost to Dunolly by one point.
RESERVES FIRST SEMI FINAL
Avoca 12.7.79 to Dunolly 11.14.80
Avoca Goals: Craig Lallard 4, Scott Lewis 2, Steven Hunter 2, Robert Webb 1, Darren Curtis 1, David Reeves 1, Robert Farnsworth 1.
Avoca Best: Steven Hunter, David Reeves, Tony Slater, Jayson McLeish.
The Under 16’s played off in the Grand Final but lost to Marnoo by 49 points.
UNDER 16 GRAND FINAL
Avoca 2.10.22 to Marnoo 11.5.71
Avoca Goals: Ian Fraser 1, Scott Howell 1.
Avoca Best: Kevin Harrison, Paul Wardlaw, Stephen Cudmore, Darren Edwards, Scott Howell.
Despite a reputation as a tough no nonsense footballer, Geoff Waldron won the senior Best & Fairest award with Steven Carey Runner Up.
Robert Fraser kicked 25 goals to head the goal kicking table.
Tony Slater was voted the Reserves Best & Fairest winner with Jayson McLeish the Runner Up.
Brendan Jolly gave notice of big things to come when he took out the under 16’s Best & Fairest award.
Ironically, Brendan just beat Trevor Field, and today have both developed into two of the club’s best players.
go to 1987
