After two years in the wilderness, Avoca was determined to re-ermerge.
With the support of an enthusiastic committee, President, Ken Field and Secretary, John Field, went on a recruiting drive.
Former top Ballarat League player Greg Dowd was appointed coach.
Also amongst club ranks were four former coach’s in Terry Long, Dave Ross, Jack D’Arcy and Bluey Marshall, an ex Maryborough champion ruckman who was persuaded to return to Avoca.
Avoca was also bolstered by several Amphitheatre players when their club disbanded.
The Senior and reserves players list was:
Greg Dowd, David Ross, Terry Long, Keith Chiswell, Brian Coghlan, Gary Coghlan, Jack Wardlaw, Bill Wardlaw, Eddie Wardlaw, George Wardlaw, Bart Clancy, Tony Clancy, John Clohesy, Peter Drummond, Geoff Drummond, Greg Morley, Dean Neil, Rob Hunter, Ray Marshall, Ken Field, David Veitch, Wayne Veitch, Mick McCristal, Robert Rayner, David Bramwell, Allan Murphy, John Evans, Richard Field, Rob Astbury, Leon Bradley, Dale Farnsworth, Michael Barker, Ian Barker, Kevin Matthews, Alf Hunter, Tony Wines, Greg Curtis, Phil Holland, Ron Litchfield, Dale Templeton, Daryl Stewart, Lee Richards, Mick Mahady, Bob Wardlaw, Bernie Turner, David, Brian and Barry Rivett, Garry Lobb, Mark Drummond and Nick Ryker.
Six players were selected in the Lexton league side, including Brian Coghlan, Rob Hunter, Rob Astbury, Geoff Drummond, George Wardlaw and brilliant back flanker, Keith Chiswell.
After Avoca finished fourth on the ladder, they were confident of beating Natte-Bealiba in the first semi final. The Bulldogs led until the last quarter, with Natte getting up by just two points in a thriller.
FIRST SEMI FINAL
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Avoca
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3.2
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8.5
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12.9
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13.12.90
|
|
Natte-Bealiba
|
2.6
|
7.7
|
10.12
|
13.14.92
|
Avoca Goals: Brian Coghlan 4, Terry Long 2, Jack D’Arcy 2, George Wardlaw 2, Greg Dowd 1, David Veitch 1, Geoff Drummond 1.
Avoca Best: Terry Long, David Ross, John Evans, Greg Dowd, Ray Marshall, Brian Coghlan.
The Reserves were also eliminated in the First Semi Final, but not before playing a nail biting draw with Navarre.
Avoca led for most of the replay, but Navarre ran out winners by eight points.
RESERVES FIRST SEMI FINAL REPLAY
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Avoca
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6.2
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7.2
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9.4
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11.5.71
|
|
Navarre
|
3.3
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7.6
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7.6
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12.7.79
|
Avoca Goals: Wayne Veitch 3, Greg Curtis 2, Tony Clancy 2, Gary Coghlan 1, Mick McCristal 1, Brian Rivett 1, Tony Wines 1.
Avoca Best: Tony Clancy, Wayne Veitch, Daryl Stewart, Greg Morley, Alf Hunter.
Avoca Under 15’s were playing for their third consecutive premiership when they took on Navarre in the Grand Final.
In a heart stopper, Navarre clinched the match by just one point.
UNDER 15’S GRAND FINAL
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Avoca
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2.0
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3.1
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6.1
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8.1.49
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|
Navarre
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0.3
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3.6
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7.7
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7.8.50
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Avoca Goals: John Jess 6, David Edwards 1, Paul Constable 1.
Avoca Best: John Jess, Peter Blair, Phillip McKechnie, Peter Coghlan,
Rowan Astbury, Paul Constable.
Terry Long was the club’s Best & Fairest from Brian Coghlan, but missed out on the Lexton League equivalent by just one vote, beaten by Marnoo’s Wayne Jones.
It would have been a fitting finale to a champion player who had given the Bulldogs fantastic service.
Other award winners were Keith Chiswell, Ray Marshall, Rob Hunter, Leon Bradley, Richard Field and Brian Coghlan, who topped the club goal kicking with 37 goals.
The Reserves Best & Fairest was won by Wayne Veitch from Daryl Stewart and Jack Wardlaw.
Wayne Veitch also polled 18 votes to win the Lexton League Reserves Best & Fairest and was only the second Avoca player to do so. Col Evans won the award in 1965.
In the Under 15’s peter Coghlan was voted best player from Phillip McKechnie, Runner Up.
The Best Clubman award was presented to George Murphy.
Former Avoca youngster, Jim Jess won the North Central Football League Best & Fairest whilst playing for St Arnaud.
go to 1976
