Drummond Family
The Drummond family name has been synonymous with the Avoca club since 1928, when Gordon Drummond first pulled on a football guernsey.
Goldy, as he was affectionately called, was as tough as nails, and usually played ruck.
He is also the subject of one of the Bulldogs better yarns.
On 6 July 1932, Avoca was playing Learmonth, who were previously undefeated.
With the scores level, and just seconds to play, Learmonth booted a behind.
As the ball was being retrieved, Goldy ran to the full back and told him that the coach, Charlie Pollinelli, had instructed him to take the kick out.
Patiently, he waited for the notorious Learmonth wind to gust off the lake behind him.
He did not have to wait long. Goldy started his run from the fence and was at full speed as he approached the ten yard line. With an inch to spare, he executed the perfect drop kick.
As the ball lifted quickly, it was suddenly caught and propelled by the wind, which was now blowing a gale.
Players and spectators from both sides watched dumbfounded as the ball carried the length of the ground, sailing through the goals and giving Avoca victory by five points.
Goldy was Avoca`s ruckman in the 1935 Premiership side that thrashed Natte Yallock by 56 points.
The following year he was one of the 12 players caught up in the bitter Lamplough Miners clearance row.
Sadly, Goldy Drummond was a prisoner of war in 1944. However, after he returned home from Germany, his two sons made him a very proud man.
Sam and younger brother Ian became an integral part of the club, but for vastly different reasons.
When Sam first played in 1944, there was no doubt about his ability. Tragically, Polio abruptly ended his football aspirations on the field.
Ian, also nicknamed Goldy, first played in 1960 and was soon invited to try out in the Ballarat League. Although he had great potential, like so many locals, he preferred to play with Avoca.
Renowned as a centre half back, on July 25 1970, he was switched to the forward line against Moonambel and booted nine goals.
Goldy loved a beer, and after the match he celebrated by shouting the bar at the Avoca Hotel, which proved to be the second amazing feat of the day!
In 1971, he coached the Under 15`s, and at the end of the year was rewarded for his loyalty when voted Best Clubman.
Both Ian and his nephew Mark Drummond, played in Avoca`s 1971 and 1972 Grand Final teams.
Under 15`s Best & Fairest award in 1970. But for two broken legs, there is no doubt Mark would have gone to greater heights; however his obliging friendly nature made him a popular and valuable club man.
Meanwhile, his father, Sam, was also one of the club`s most devoted supporters, and with his wife Wilma reared other sons who have displayed amazing football ability.
Geoff Drummond was instrumental in Avoca`s 1980 Premiership victory, booting five goals.
His distinguished career began in 1970 with the Under 15`s. He won the Best & Fairest award in that grade the following year.
In seven seasons he booted 196 goals and was Avoca`s leading goal kicker on three occasions.
He booted double figures twice in 1980, 10 goals against Marnoo and 14 in a match at Landsborough.
In 1977, he won the prestigious Maffescioni Award, decided on votes of opposition clubs.
He was selected in the Lexton League representative sides in 1981 & 82.
Geoff’s younger brother, Peter Drummond, was amongst the best players in the 1980 and 1981 premiership sides, and during these years was selected in the Lexton league representative teams.
Regarded as one of Avoca`s best full backs, Peter was invited to train with St Kilda, but, like his Uncle Ian, showed little interest for a career in greener pastures.
In 1983, another brother, Craig Drummond, was selected in the Lexton League Under 16 side. He also won the Lexton League`s Under 16 Best & fairest award from team mate Greg Wardlaw.
The following year he became the youngest person ever to receive the Best Clubman award.
Craig left Avoca in 1985, and played with Redan in the Ballarat League. Unfortunately, he suffered a bad shoulder injury which ended his career.
He returned to Avoca and again won the Best Clubman award in 1989.
The Drummond clan has played an important role in the history of the Avoca Club, and no doubt future generations will be determined to preserve that reputation
