Winds of change were again blowing through the club at the beginning of 1987.
For some time it had been obvious that Avoca would have to become more professional, if it were to compete seriously.
The Annual Meeting voted to streamline the club’s administration.
The traditional committee was a replaced with a Board of Management, which included:
President: John Field
Vice-President: John Farnsworth
Secretary: Ross Dawson
Treasurer: Brian Arrowsmith
Board Members: Doug Pridham. David Veitch, Hugh Edwards.
The plan had plenty of merit in theory, and had been successfully adopted by clubs in other competitions, but it placed enormous pressure on the individuals.
Also, outside AFL ranks, the lifeblood of football clubs is the voluntary worker.
No matter how minor, their contribution can never be underestimated and, if football clubs are to survive and thrive, then they can not afford to alienate anyone.
Whilst other clubs persevered with the new style of administration, Avoca reverted back to office bearers and an open committee in 1990.
However, the seeds had been sown, and it was just a matter of time before the football club would benefit from its endeavors to become more professional and competitive.
Colin Edwards, from Ararat, was appointed Senior Coach, Tony Stephenson took on the Reserves Coaching position and Geoff Calder had charge of the Under 16’s.
The Senior and Reserves playing list was:
Col Edwards (Captain and Coach), Peter Jolly, Ian Fraser, Geoff Waldron, Richard Field, Peter Tuohey, Craig Lallard, Tony Stephenson, Brendan Jolly, Greg Jess, Robert Redpath, Adrian McCormick, Trevor Field, David Veitch, Gerard Best, Steven Beavis, Robert Fraser, Steve Carey, Michael Coghlan, Richard Astbury, Tony Slater, John Webb, Darren Edwards, Jayson McLeish, Dale Marshall, Craig Trickey, Robert Rayner, Greg Wardlaw, Steve Jennings, Greg Corcoran, Wayde Thiele, Greg Morley, Mick Arrowsmith, Scott Lewis, Shane Clohesy, Darren Medwell, Steven Hunter, David Field, Peter Redpath, Frank Peck.
Avoca suffered a severe blow when Craig Lallard broke his leg during round 11 and was sidelined for the season. As a youngster Craig had shown great potential as a forward, and with 37 goals was the leading goal kicker in the Lexton League when misfortune struck.
1987 seemed to be the year the umpires got twitchy.
Incredibly, Greg Corcoran was reported for striking an unknown Marnoo reserves player. Needless to say, the charge was not proved.
In a more serious vein, Richard Field was booked for repeatedly kicking.
He was found not guilty on that charge, but suspended for one week for striking.
Others booked and suspended included Robert Redpath – five matches, Robert Fraser – one match and Tony Stephenson – one match for abusive language.
The year held few performance highlights for the Bulldogs, although Michael Coghlan was selected in the Lexton Football League rep side.
The senior’s Best & Fairest award was won by Peter Jolly, with Ian Fraser Runner Up.
Tony Slater won the Reserves Best & Fairest, whilst David Field took out the Under 16’s B & F.
For the third time, Ross Dawson was voted Best Clubman.
go to 1988
