Avoca recruited well over the Summer and were primed with confidence even before the season commenced;
A place in the finals was a formality.
The Office Bearers were:
President: Andy Astbury
Secretary: Alby Williamson
Treasurer: Bill Tope
Tim Healy was appointed Captain and Coach and Fred Chapman was Vice-Captain. Fred, who ran the local drapery store with his brother, Howard, had developed into the best full back in the competition.
The players list was: George Bevan, Paddy Ryan Jnr, Ken Gane, Charlie Hutchison, Lance McDonald, W Dorricott, Tom French, Syd Williamson, Jim Pryse, Clem Hill, Eddie Redpath, Lindsay Brown, George Whitley, D Fuller, Gerry Matters, Jim Astbury, Jim Carey, Biill Resuggan, Eric Stuart, Ern Davies, Roy Hellings, Cyril McCubbery, Stan Beavis, Keith Astbury, Errol Howell, Tony Jolly, E Howie, Ted Field, and Isles Roda.
A record was set when nine players were selected in the Pyrenees Association team, with Errol Howell as Captain.
Avoca’s representatives are underlined.
B:
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Clem Hill
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Fred Chapman
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Neil Ross
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HB:
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George Bevan
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Ern Davies
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Ted Field
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C:
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Len Morvell
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Errol Howell
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George Jackson
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HF:
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Bill Roxburgh
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Paddy Ryan
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Phil Jolly
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F:
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Ken Morvell
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D Fuller
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Ken Gane
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R/R:
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Reg Roxburgh
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Graham Laidlaw
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I Sandlant
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Avoca was beaten twice during the season, against Amphitheatre, and Natte Yallock, but were still minor premiers.
It was therefore a shock when Lexton upset Avoca in the second semi final, winning by eight points.
Brought back to earth with a thud, Avoca then demolished Natte Yallock in the final. Natte were held goalless until the final quarter.
THE FINAL
Avoca 11.12.78 to Natte Yallock 5.15.45
Avoca Goals: Paddy Ryan 5, Errol Howell 3, Lance McDonald 2, Gerry Matters 1.
The Grand Final against Lexton was the ultimate showdown.
After trailing for the first half, Avoca edged ahead in the last half, running out winners by 10 points.
GRAND FINAL
Avoca
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1.1
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4.3
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7.6
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11.9.75
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Lexton
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2.2
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5.6
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6.9
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9.11.65
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Avoca Goals: Paddy Ryan 6, Gerry Matters 2, Clem Hill 1, Ken Gane 1, Lance McDonald 1.
The players named in the Grand Final and their ages:
Tim Healy 35, Errol Howell 29, Eddie Redpath 27, Ken Gane 27, E Howie 27, Clem Hill 25, Tony Jolly 24, Fred Chapman 23, Ted Field 23, Jim Pryse 23, Gerry Matters 22, Eric Stuart 21, George Bevan 21,
Paddy Ryan Jnr, 20, Jim Astbury 20, Bill Resuggan 19, Charlie Hutchison 19, George Whitley 18, Lance McDonald 18, Tom French 17, Jim Carey 17.
Apparently winning premierships was a costly business even in 1937.
After starting the year with 40 pounds or $80.00, the club’s bank account was 10 pounds or $20.00 in debt by the end of the season.
Once again Paddy Ryan was the leading goalkicker with 49 goals.
Go to 1938