With No Thanks To The Army
In 1968, after finishing third on the ladder, Avoca loomed as strong Premiership prospects.
Former Champion Maryborough ruckman, Ray `Bluey` Marshall was in his second year as coach and during the season the club had recruited well.
Avoca met traditional rivals Navarre in the First Semi Final, and the match was a rib tickler.
Although Avoca won the game 4.13.37, to Navarre 3.3.21, it was costly.
During the match several all-in brawls erupted.
Navarre`s coach, former South Melbourne footballer Gerry Brennan, was reported twice, as was former Avoca coach, Bill Constable.
Frank Robson, Avoca`s tough young full back, was also booked.
Although Robson was cleared, Constable was suspended, ruling him ineligible for the Preliminary Final against Natte Bealiba.
Constable, who also played previously with Natte, was a very experienced and robust footballer, who was at his best when the going got tough.
Another blow to Avoca was the withdrawal of Billy Wardlaw through injury.
Bill, who was at his prime, had developed into one of Avoca`s best backmen.
But the biggest setback was handed out by the Australian Army on the eve of the Preliminary Final, when Ken Field and Peter O`Shea were both refused leave.
Ken was playing excellent football at fullback, whilst Peter, a former top Hawthorn player, was not only first rover but the club`s Best & Fairest footballer for the season.
Although Avoca was devastated, that team earned widespread admiration, going down to Natte by just 16 points.
After the game, Natte coach Tom Noonan asked if he could address the players.
Those who heard Noonan speak say it was one of the most sincere, and moving speeches ever heard.
