This was the year many local footballers exchanged their guernsey’s for khaki uniforms.
Once again Tim Healy was the club’s Captain and Coach, but mid season he ended a long and distinguished association with Avoca enlisting in the RAAF.
The players list was:
Ian Templeton (Vice-Capt), Tony Jolly, Bill Resuggan, Tom French, Jack Whitley, Paddy Ryan Jnr., Clem Hill, Bert Cargill, Jim Astbury, Fred Chapman, Eric Clough, Les Beavis, P Marshall, J Green, Keith Morris, Jim Carey, Isles Rhoda, Albert Rodwell, Ken Gane, J Nugent, Mark Stuart, M McPherson, Wally Hicks, J Thorburn, Ted Field, Con Grant, Roy Hellings, D Westbrook, Fred Coppick, Larry Morvell, Max Bradley, Jim Murphy, Danny Ryan, C.J. Morris, Watty French, Arthur Stuart, and A Gracie,
Les Williamson and Goldy Drummond also left the club mid season to enlist in the Army.
However several players joined Avoca from Amphitheatre including Larry Morvell, Max Bradley and Jim Murphy.
Fred Coppick, a policeman and former Maryborough Coach, proved a valuable acquisition for Avoca.
Avoca finished the season in third position, and played a team known as P & N in the first semi final.
Avoca’s first semi final team:
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B:
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Bert Cargill
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Ian Templeton
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Jim Astbury
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HB:
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Fred Chapman
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Larry Morvell
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Jim Murphy
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C:
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D Westbrook
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Les Beavis
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Fred Coppick
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HF:
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A Gracie
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Jack Whitley
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Tony Jolly
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F:
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Ken Gane
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Paddy Ryan
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Wally Hicks
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R/R:
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Bill Resuggan
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Eric Clough
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Mark Stuart
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Avoca lost the semi final by 26 points against P & N, who went on to win the premiership.
FIRST SEMI FINAL
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P & N
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5.5
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7.11
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9.13
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12.17.89
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Avoca
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2.2
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3.4
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4.6
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9.9.63
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Avoca Goals: Fred Coppick 4, Eric Clough 3, Clem Hill 1, Larry Morvell 1.
Avoca Best: Fred Coppick, Ian Templeton, Jim Astbury, Larry Morvell, Bert Cargill, Jack Whitley, Wally Hicks.
Once again, Paddy Ryan headed the goal kicking with 32 goals, but sadly, it was the last time the brilliant 23 year old would play for Avoca.
The Avoca Football Club disbanded at the end of the 1940 season because of the war.
Go to 1944
